I have been dealing with a sore throat since yesterday and now I have phlegm and a slightly stuffy head. I think I have a cold. Thank goodness I'm getting it now and not a day or two before my race!
But since I'm not firing on all cylinders today, I have decided to make it a rest day. Tomorrow was supposed to be my rest day, but if I'm feeling better then I will make it a run day. And I will try to not feel guilty about it!! That's saying a lot, since I tend to feel super-guilty when I miss a workout. *sigh*
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Sore throat. Ugh.
I woke up this morning with a bit of a sore throat. It has progressively gotten worse as the day has gone on. I hope I'm not getting a cold, because that would suck royally.
Anyway, today was a cross training day, so I rode the bike again. I threw in a short ab workout afterward for good measure. Looking forward to my run tomorrow, as long as I'm not sick!
Oh, I just wanted to add that I really appreciate everyone's comments!! It's really motivational to see all these other runners around cyberspace. Keep 'em coming!!!!
Today's stats:
Distance (bike ride): 8.20 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Anyway, today was a cross training day, so I rode the bike again. I threw in a short ab workout afterward for good measure. Looking forward to my run tomorrow, as long as I'm not sick!
Oh, I just wanted to add that I really appreciate everyone's comments!! It's really motivational to see all these other runners around cyberspace. Keep 'em coming!!!!
Today's stats:
Distance (bike ride): 8.20 miles
Time: 30 minutes
My new hairdo!
As I mentioned in my Saturday post, I finally had my hair cut. I am so happy!! I don't have a "before" picture, but my hair was about shoulder-length and was just shapeless. I have a lot of dark, dark hair, and when it's all one length it just hangs there, doing nothing. I was so fed up with it that I just put it in a ponytail most of the time. I wasn't winning any style points there.
So I got it cut much shorter and had it layered. I really like it!!! Here are a couple pictures of the new me (wearing my running outfit since I was getting ready to leave on my long run):
So I got it cut much shorter and had it layered. I really like it!!! Here are a couple pictures of the new me (wearing my running outfit since I was getting ready to leave on my long run):
Monday, February 26, 2007
Dang, it's cold!!!!!
Today was my Monday three-miler. The weather has been horrible here for several days, and today wasn't any different. It was raining. But it was also really cold. I realized just how cold it was as I pushed the kids in the stroller out the garage door. Brrrrr!!!! I was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, windbreaker and pants, but I suddenly wished I had gloves and a hat. I just checked online, and the warmest it's been today was 41 degrees (but felt like 37, Weather.com says). So that's pretty chilly for us, since we live so close to the coast.
Anyway, The run went fairly well, despite the elements. Not much exciting to report. I really wanted to do 3.5 miles, but decided at three that I was so cold and wet that another 1/2 mile wouldn't be too much fun. Plus, I was recovering from Saturday's five-miler, so I didn't want to push it too much.
My next race is less than two weeks away! Yeah!!! I can't wait!! Tim and the kids are going to watch me run. This race is a really fun one in the town of Ferndale. They call it the Victorian Village because many of the buildings there are original victorians. The downtown area is so cute! There are lots of locally owned shops and boutiques. It's just a charming place.
And this race, the Foggy Bottom Milk Run, always brings out the fun in everyone. When I ran it back in 1997, there were people in costumes and there was music. It was so festive!! I hope to have the camera with us so we can get some good pictures!
Today's stats:
Distance: three miles
Time: 38:54
Pace: 12:58 minute/mile
Anyway, The run went fairly well, despite the elements. Not much exciting to report. I really wanted to do 3.5 miles, but decided at three that I was so cold and wet that another 1/2 mile wouldn't be too much fun. Plus, I was recovering from Saturday's five-miler, so I didn't want to push it too much.
My next race is less than two weeks away! Yeah!!! I can't wait!! Tim and the kids are going to watch me run. This race is a really fun one in the town of Ferndale. They call it the Victorian Village because many of the buildings there are original victorians. The downtown area is so cute! There are lots of locally owned shops and boutiques. It's just a charming place.
And this race, the Foggy Bottom Milk Run, always brings out the fun in everyone. When I ran it back in 1997, there were people in costumes and there was music. It was so festive!! I hope to have the camera with us so we can get some good pictures!
Today's stats:
Distance: three miles
Time: 38:54
Pace: 12:58 minute/mile
Saturday, February 24, 2007
The weather sucked today...
...but I still did my long run!
It was raining and windy the whole time, which was less than ideal. I started off wearing my iPod and sunglasses, but after two miles I had to take them both off and put them in my pocket. The stupid iPod earbuds kept falling out because my ears were too wet, and I couldn't even see out of the sunglasses because they were covered in water.
So I had planned to jog four miles and call it a day. The first two miles were slow and steady. I had tried a Gu packet before the run (nasty, but seemed to help) and was feeling pretty good. After the second mile, it got a little tough for a while. The wind felt like it was pushing me backward and the rain pounded on my windbreaker which, come to find out, is not waterproof. Ugh.
When I started mile four, I felt a sudden burst of energy hit me and just took off. I ran that mile in a negative split from the previous two, which was awesome. I was feeling not only good, but great!! So great that I decided to hell with four miles and ran five instead! Without stopping or walking at all!!! Woo hoo!!!!!!
I came home soaked from head to toe, but it was so worth it!!! Oh, and I had gotten my hair cut this morning and looked really cute when I left on my run. I came home looking like a drowned cat.
Today's stats:
Distance: five miles
Time: 1 hour, two minutes, 59 seconds
Pace: 12:36 minute/mile
Best pace: 9:44 minute/mile
Splits:
mile 1: 12:05
mile 2: 13.46
mile 3: 12:56
mile 4: 12:05
mile 5: 12:22
It was raining and windy the whole time, which was less than ideal. I started off wearing my iPod and sunglasses, but after two miles I had to take them both off and put them in my pocket. The stupid iPod earbuds kept falling out because my ears were too wet, and I couldn't even see out of the sunglasses because they were covered in water.
So I had planned to jog four miles and call it a day. The first two miles were slow and steady. I had tried a Gu packet before the run (nasty, but seemed to help) and was feeling pretty good. After the second mile, it got a little tough for a while. The wind felt like it was pushing me backward and the rain pounded on my windbreaker which, come to find out, is not waterproof. Ugh.
When I started mile four, I felt a sudden burst of energy hit me and just took off. I ran that mile in a negative split from the previous two, which was awesome. I was feeling not only good, but great!! So great that I decided to hell with four miles and ran five instead! Without stopping or walking at all!!! Woo hoo!!!!!!
I came home soaked from head to toe, but it was so worth it!!! Oh, and I had gotten my hair cut this morning and looked really cute when I left on my run. I came home looking like a drowned cat.
Today's stats:
Distance: five miles
Time: 1 hour, two minutes, 59 seconds
Pace: 12:36 minute/mile
Best pace: 9:44 minute/mile
Splits:
mile 1: 12:05
mile 2: 13.46
mile 3: 12:56
mile 4: 12:05
mile 5: 12:22
Friday, February 23, 2007
Tonight's bike ride
Just posting my stats from tonight's bike ride so I don't forget what I did. :)
Time: 30 minutes
Distance: 7.96 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Distance: 7.96 miles
Waiting to work out
I just had dinner so I now have to wait for a bit to do my cross training tonight (bike ride). I wasn't able to squeeze in a workout earlier today because I had to take care of a billion errands, most of which revolved around paying bills.
Anyway, I am getting a much-needed haircut tomorrow and I'm thinking of running there and back. Tomorrow is my long run day, anyway. It's a little more than two miles one-way. And it's a different route than my usual ones, which would be a nice change of pace. I guess I am just worried about stopping halfway through my run to sit and have my hair cut. It's probably not even a big deal, but for some reason I like to do my workout at once. Well, I guess I could run through some of the neighborhoods on the way back to stretch the mileage out and not feel so bad about it.
And now I'm thinking about how short I should cut my hair. I am so tired of how it looks. I would like to go shorter and do some layers, but I don't know how it would look. Hmmmm, maybe I need to check out some styles online.
OK, I'll be back later to post workout stats for the day.
Anyway, I am getting a much-needed haircut tomorrow and I'm thinking of running there and back. Tomorrow is my long run day, anyway. It's a little more than two miles one-way. And it's a different route than my usual ones, which would be a nice change of pace. I guess I am just worried about stopping halfway through my run to sit and have my hair cut. It's probably not even a big deal, but for some reason I like to do my workout at once. Well, I guess I could run through some of the neighborhoods on the way back to stretch the mileage out and not feel so bad about it.
And now I'm thinking about how short I should cut my hair. I am so tired of how it looks. I would like to go shorter and do some layers, but I don't know how it would look. Hmmmm, maybe I need to check out some styles online.
OK, I'll be back later to post workout stats for the day.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Nikki, this one's for you
Yes, Nikki, that's because I was thinking about your treadmill runs while doing a treadmill run of my own today.
I had to scrap the outside run because it rained like hell ALL DAY today. And ALL DAY yesterday. I think I might need to build an ark soon. I had to drive to my chiropractic appointment in the relentless downpour and realized I really, *really* didn't want to take my son out in that (my daughter was with the inlaws today, so I didn't have to worry about her).
But I digress. I've only done a few treadmill runs so far and I think I realize why I don't enjoy them as much as the outdoor runs.
1) There's nothing pretty to look at. I don't consider my messy desk, Tim's messy desk, our cluttered bookshelf and exercise bike "pretty" in any way.
2) It's hotter than a freakin' oven in the room. Our house is kept at a comfy 70 degrees, which feels like the surface of the sun to me when running on the treadmill. And I have a fan pointing at me, but I can't seem to feel the air from it while running. I don't know why. The damn thing is pointed RIGHT AT ME! But maybe it's because I'm used to outdoor runs where the maximum temperature is 60 degrees. And that's even in the summer. Love Humboldt County!
3) The treadmill monitor taunts me. I can't seem to NOT look at it. I covered it with a hand towel tonight, but every three or four minutes I got the impulse to look at it. Torture.
4) There's no cool training partner on said monitor like there is on my Garmin.
5) I have to run slower because I am still afraid I will trip and fall and bust out my front teeth.
I'm sure I could go on and on about this, but I think the point's been made. Nothing will replace a good old-fashioned outdoor run.
Oh, forgot to mention my new running shoes are awesome!!! They were so comfy and light!! My old clunky trailrunners can eat my dust!! ;)
Today's stats:
Distance: three miles
Time: 38:57
Pace: 12:59 minute/mile
I had to scrap the outside run because it rained like hell ALL DAY today. And ALL DAY yesterday. I think I might need to build an ark soon. I had to drive to my chiropractic appointment in the relentless downpour and realized I really, *really* didn't want to take my son out in that (my daughter was with the inlaws today, so I didn't have to worry about her).
But I digress. I've only done a few treadmill runs so far and I think I realize why I don't enjoy them as much as the outdoor runs.
1) There's nothing pretty to look at. I don't consider my messy desk, Tim's messy desk, our cluttered bookshelf and exercise bike "pretty" in any way.
2) It's hotter than a freakin' oven in the room. Our house is kept at a comfy 70 degrees, which feels like the surface of the sun to me when running on the treadmill. And I have a fan pointing at me, but I can't seem to feel the air from it while running. I don't know why. The damn thing is pointed RIGHT AT ME! But maybe it's because I'm used to outdoor runs where the maximum temperature is 60 degrees. And that's even in the summer. Love Humboldt County!
3) The treadmill monitor taunts me. I can't seem to NOT look at it. I covered it with a hand towel tonight, but every three or four minutes I got the impulse to look at it. Torture.
4) There's no cool training partner on said monitor like there is on my Garmin.
5) I have to run slower because I am still afraid I will trip and fall and bust out my front teeth.
I'm sure I could go on and on about this, but I think the point's been made. Nothing will replace a good old-fashioned outdoor run.
Oh, forgot to mention my new running shoes are awesome!!! They were so comfy and light!! My old clunky trailrunners can eat my dust!! ;)
Today's stats:
Distance: three miles
Time: 38:57
Pace: 12:59 minute/mile
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Adding some cross training
This week I decided to add cross training to my workout schedule. I know it will help me overall with my running and fitness to mix it up a little.
So I hopped on my stationary bike and did a 30-minute workout. Well, it was more like 40 minutes with the warm-up and cool-down, but I didn't really keep track of that part. It felt really good to work my muscles that way. I worked up a nice sweat and covered 8 miles. Not bad. I wish I could run that fast. Ha ha!
I plan on cross training two days a week and running three. The other two days will be rest days. :)
Oh, and today I had a fun outing with my mother-in-law Lynn and the kiddos. We went shopping, and I got new running shoes and shorts. Yeah! I went to a local running store, and the guy working there was so helpful!! He had me try on several different shoes (I have a problem with overpronation and need more stability in my shoe). I finally found a pair that felt like a glove when I put them on. They're the Mizuno Wave Alchemy. I think these are the same shoes Lisa (J~Mom) has. Oh, I cannot tell you how good they felt!! So much better than the Adidas trail runners I've been using!! I am going to try them out on my run tomorrow.
Today's stats:
bike ride
distance: 8 miles
time: 30 minutes
So I hopped on my stationary bike and did a 30-minute workout. Well, it was more like 40 minutes with the warm-up and cool-down, but I didn't really keep track of that part. It felt really good to work my muscles that way. I worked up a nice sweat and covered 8 miles. Not bad. I wish I could run that fast. Ha ha!
I plan on cross training two days a week and running three. The other two days will be rest days. :)
Oh, and today I had a fun outing with my mother-in-law Lynn and the kiddos. We went shopping, and I got new running shoes and shorts. Yeah! I went to a local running store, and the guy working there was so helpful!! He had me try on several different shoes (I have a problem with overpronation and need more stability in my shoe). I finally found a pair that felt like a glove when I put them on. They're the Mizuno Wave Alchemy. I think these are the same shoes Lisa (J~Mom) has. Oh, I cannot tell you how good they felt!! So much better than the Adidas trail runners I've been using!! I am going to try them out on my run tomorrow.
Today's stats:
bike ride
distance: 8 miles
time: 30 minutes
Monday, February 19, 2007
Who would've thought....
...that a three-mile run would seem "easy"?
Not I. A few months ago, three miles would have seemed like 100.
Today was my recovery run following Saturday's long run. I swear, three miles is getting easier and easier!! Yes, I was going at a slower pace today, but I was pushing the kids in the stroller and thinking "This is not nearly as hard as it used to be!!" So I guess that means I'm making good progress!! It's nice when running starts to feel easier. That makes it even that much more enjoyable.
And I did try out the heart rate monitor today (it worked). I really kept my HR at a consistent pace, which was good, but I need to study up on where I should be keeping it during any given run.
I might have to use the treadmill for my run later this week. The forecast says to expect rain starting tomorrow through the rest of the week. So I might scrap the outside run on Wednesday and do a treadmill jog, depending on how bad it's raining.
I am definitely planning on doing my long run Saturday outdoors, no matter what the weather is. I just can't imagine forcing myself to do 4.5 miles on a treadmill.
Today's stats:
Distance: three miles
Time: 38:09
Pace: 12:43 minute/mile
Best pace: 10:18 minute/mile
Not I. A few months ago, three miles would have seemed like 100.
Today was my recovery run following Saturday's long run. I swear, three miles is getting easier and easier!! Yes, I was going at a slower pace today, but I was pushing the kids in the stroller and thinking "This is not nearly as hard as it used to be!!" So I guess that means I'm making good progress!! It's nice when running starts to feel easier. That makes it even that much more enjoyable.
And I did try out the heart rate monitor today (it worked). I really kept my HR at a consistent pace, which was good, but I need to study up on where I should be keeping it during any given run.
I might have to use the treadmill for my run later this week. The forecast says to expect rain starting tomorrow through the rest of the week. So I might scrap the outside run on Wednesday and do a treadmill jog, depending on how bad it's raining.
I am definitely planning on doing my long run Saturday outdoors, no matter what the weather is. I just can't imagine forcing myself to do 4.5 miles on a treadmill.
Today's stats:
Distance: three miles
Time: 38:09
Pace: 12:43 minute/mile
Best pace: 10:18 minute/mile
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Eleven pounds!
That is how much I've lost since December.
I am so happy!! When I first started running again, I didn't lose an ounce for the first month. It was a little disheartening.
But after I started running longer distances, the weight is slowly but surely sliding off. My jeans, which used to be tight, are now so loose that I can take them off easily without unbuttoning and unzipping them. That is pretty cool in itself.
I still have a way to go to get to my weight goal, but I am now officially on my way!
I am so happy!! When I first started running again, I didn't lose an ounce for the first month. It was a little disheartening.
But after I started running longer distances, the weight is slowly but surely sliding off. My jeans, which used to be tight, are now so loose that I can take them off easily without unbuttoning and unzipping them. That is pretty cool in itself.
I still have a way to go to get to my weight goal, but I am now officially on my way!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Four miles! Yeah baby!
Today was my long run. Four miles. I haven't run four miles without stopping in probably eight or nine years.
So I headed out before noon and the weather was gorgeous!! Blue skies, lots of sun and REALLY warm. Like in the 60s, which is warm here in the summer! I wore running pants and a T-shirt.
But there's a saying here: If you don't like the weather in Humboldt County, wait five minutes. Well, it took a little longer than five minutes, but about halfway into my run I could see the fog and clouds swoop in as if they were blown by a huge fan. Within a few minutes, we were socked in and the temperature dropped about 10 degrees. Ahh, good ol' Humboldt County.
Anyway, I pretty much ran like blazes my first mile. I finished it in 11.24. Oops. I am always telling myself I want to run slower the first mile or so, but it is soooooo hard! I finished the first two miles in 23.56. That is freakin' fast for me! I knew I'd have to slow down in order to not peter out the last half of my run.
So I did just that. I slowed down. And I made it the whole way without stopping. I really wanted to run the four miles in less than 50 minutes, and I did! I beat that by five seconds! Woo hoo!!!
Oh, and I am such a dork and forgot the HR monitor again today. I promise I will try it out next time. The nice weather totally made me space out on it.
Today's stats:
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 49:55 minutes
Pace: 12:29 minute/mile
Best pace (according to my Garmin): 9.20 minute/mile (probably for like 10 seconds or something)
So I headed out before noon and the weather was gorgeous!! Blue skies, lots of sun and REALLY warm. Like in the 60s, which is warm here in the summer! I wore running pants and a T-shirt.
But there's a saying here: If you don't like the weather in Humboldt County, wait five minutes. Well, it took a little longer than five minutes, but about halfway into my run I could see the fog and clouds swoop in as if they were blown by a huge fan. Within a few minutes, we were socked in and the temperature dropped about 10 degrees. Ahh, good ol' Humboldt County.
Anyway, I pretty much ran like blazes my first mile. I finished it in 11.24. Oops. I am always telling myself I want to run slower the first mile or so, but it is soooooo hard! I finished the first two miles in 23.56. That is freakin' fast for me! I knew I'd have to slow down in order to not peter out the last half of my run.
So I did just that. I slowed down. And I made it the whole way without stopping. I really wanted to run the four miles in less than 50 minutes, and I did! I beat that by five seconds! Woo hoo!!!
Oh, and I am such a dork and forgot the HR monitor again today. I promise I will try it out next time. The nice weather totally made me space out on it.
Today's stats:
Distance: 4 miles
Time: 49:55 minutes
Pace: 12:29 minute/mile
Best pace (according to my Garmin): 9.20 minute/mile (probably for like 10 seconds or something)
Thursday, February 15, 2007
I am in love!!!!!
With my Garmin!!!
I tried it out on my run today, and boy howdy, does that thing rock!! It is amazing the things I learned today while running.
They include:
1) I can keep up a 10.08-minute mile pace for a minute and not die
2) I can finish a mile faster than I thought (my first mile today was 11.40)
3) I actually run faster outdoors than I do on my treadmill, even when pushing the jogging stroller (like today)
4) I tend to slow quite a bit going uphill, which is something I will work on
I loved running with the Garmin so much that I extended my run from 2.5 miles to 3 miles. And it didn't feel that hard (the run, I mean). Much easier than my treadmill runs have been. I'm guessing it's easier to run outdoors because it's a lot more fun and not nearly as hot as running on the treadmill in our home office is.
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed every second running with my Garmin today. I have a long run planned for Saturday (probably 4 miles, maybe more if I'm feeling good and having fun) and I will try out the heart rate monitor then. :)
Today's stats:
distance: three miles
time: 36.56
pace: 12.19 minute/mile
I tried it out on my run today, and boy howdy, does that thing rock!! It is amazing the things I learned today while running.
They include:
1) I can keep up a 10.08-minute mile pace for a minute and not die
2) I can finish a mile faster than I thought (my first mile today was 11.40)
3) I actually run faster outdoors than I do on my treadmill, even when pushing the jogging stroller (like today)
4) I tend to slow quite a bit going uphill, which is something I will work on
I loved running with the Garmin so much that I extended my run from 2.5 miles to 3 miles. And it didn't feel that hard (the run, I mean). Much easier than my treadmill runs have been. I'm guessing it's easier to run outdoors because it's a lot more fun and not nearly as hot as running on the treadmill in our home office is.
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed every second running with my Garmin today. I have a long run planned for Saturday (probably 4 miles, maybe more if I'm feeling good and having fun) and I will try out the heart rate monitor then. :)
Today's stats:
distance: three miles
time: 36.56
pace: 12.19 minute/mile
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
I'll have to try the Garmin tomorrow
I was going to do a run today, but it's raining like you wouldn't believe out there today. And I forgot I have a chiropractor appointment at 3:25 p.m., so the rest of my afternoon is pretty much booked.
I am a little bummed. If it wasn't raining, I would consider running to the appointment and back with the kids in the stroller (it's about 1.25 miles one-way). But then again, running right after having my back adjusted might not be too smart.
So I am planning a nice, easy run tomorrow to try out my new gadget! I hope the weather cooperates!!
And this weekend I will be using it for my long run. Yes!
I am a little bummed. If it wasn't raining, I would consider running to the appointment and back with the kids in the stroller (it's about 1.25 miles one-way). But then again, running right after having my back adjusted might not be too smart.
So I am planning a nice, easy run tomorrow to try out my new gadget! I hope the weather cooperates!!
And this weekend I will be using it for my long run. Yes!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Call me lightning!!
OK, maybe not. *shrug*
But tonight I hopped on the treadmill for a quick mile run. I wanted to see if I could break the 12-minute/mile mark that has been taunting me.
Well, I ended up covering a mile in 11 minutes, 51 seconds. I think it was a few seconds faster because it took about 15 seconds for the darn thing to get to the speed I had set it at. Oh well.......
But tonight I hopped on the treadmill for a quick mile run. I wanted to see if I could break the 12-minute/mile mark that has been taunting me.
Well, I ended up covering a mile in 11 minutes, 51 seconds. I think it was a few seconds faster because it took about 15 seconds for the darn thing to get to the speed I had set it at. Oh well.......
Got a Garmin!!
Today has to be one of the most exciting days for me as a runner!!!
My wonderful dad, who reads my blog, saw a post where I mentioned I really wanted a Garmin to help me with my training. After reading that, he ordered one for me!! It arrived today and I could not be happier!!
It's the Forerunner 305. I am going to learn how to use it today so I can try it out on my run tomorrow!!! Oh yeah!!!
Thanks Dad!! I really, really appreciate it!!!! :)
My wonderful dad, who reads my blog, saw a post where I mentioned I really wanted a Garmin to help me with my training. After reading that, he ordered one for me!! It arrived today and I could not be happier!!
It's the Forerunner 305. I am going to learn how to use it today so I can try it out on my run tomorrow!!! Oh yeah!!!
Thanks Dad!! I really, really appreciate it!!!! :)
Monday, February 12, 2007
Quick running update
Just did three miles of running on the treadmill. It was rainy again today and I didn't feel like running in it.
It's so funny how much longer a run seems when done on a treadmill. At least it does to me.
Anyway, tonight was slow and steady. I think my first mile was 14 minutes or so. It's been nearly three weeks since I've run three miles without stopping. And I've only done it twice before now (since I resumed running in November) so I am happy about that. :)
I am hoping Wednesday will be dry so I can run outside with the kids!
Tonight's stats:
distance: three miles
time: 40.50
pace: 13.36 minute/mile
It's so funny how much longer a run seems when done on a treadmill. At least it does to me.
Anyway, tonight was slow and steady. I think my first mile was 14 minutes or so. It's been nearly three weeks since I've run three miles without stopping. And I've only done it twice before now (since I resumed running in November) so I am happy about that. :)
I am hoping Wednesday will be dry so I can run outside with the kids!
Tonight's stats:
distance: three miles
time: 40.50
pace: 13.36 minute/mile
I refuse to let fear rule me!!
After some deep thought, I now know which race length I want to do in October. And it didn't take me a month to make up my mind.
I posted last night about not being sure if I want to tackle a half marathon or play it safe with a 5K.
I have come to a decision. The half marathon it is!!
Wow, that actually feels really good to type out!
I know I will feel so much pride in just finishing a HM. And I don't care if I come in dead last, as long as I finish.
So anyway, I plan to register at the end of this month.
The race is October 21.
I posted last night about not being sure if I want to tackle a half marathon or play it safe with a 5K.
I have come to a decision. The half marathon it is!!
Wow, that actually feels really good to type out!
I know I will feel so much pride in just finishing a HM. And I don't care if I come in dead last, as long as I finish.
So anyway, I plan to register at the end of this month.
The race is October 21.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Decisions, decisions
What's a girl to do?
Even though I have only completed one race so far, I am now constantly looking for new races here to sign up for. I guess you can say I am hooked already. My spring will be spent training for and running a 4.1-mile race and a 10K.
Now there's another race I want to do in late October. It's held in the same area as the 10K I've signed up for in May. The October race offers a 5K, half marathon and marathon. I am seriously considering the half marathon.
Am I nuts?? I'm sure eight months is enough time to prepare, but the thought of running (jogging) such a long distance at once is a bit frightening.
So what should I do? "Wimp out" and do the 5K, or challenge myself and sign up for the HM?
I hope to come up with an answer in the next month or so.
Even though I have only completed one race so far, I am now constantly looking for new races here to sign up for. I guess you can say I am hooked already. My spring will be spent training for and running a 4.1-mile race and a 10K.
Now there's another race I want to do in late October. It's held in the same area as the 10K I've signed up for in May. The October race offers a 5K, half marathon and marathon. I am seriously considering the half marathon.
Am I nuts?? I'm sure eight months is enough time to prepare, but the thought of running (jogging) such a long distance at once is a bit frightening.
So what should I do? "Wimp out" and do the 5K, or challenge myself and sign up for the HM?
I hope to come up with an answer in the next month or so.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
I owe an apology...
...to my treadmill.
Ha ha!
I think I could be guilty of libel after my Thursday night post.
There I wrote that the treadmill was inaccurate when keeping track of my mileage.
Looks like I'm actually the guilty party.
I tested it out last night (without me on it) to see if it would keep proper track of mileage if set to 8 mph. Sure enough, it did.
And tonight I finally ran on it for the first time. Guess what? It kept accurate mileage again.
Come to realize, I had reset the silly thing about 7 minutes into my workout that first night. So I was the one shortchanging myself, so to speak.
Anyway, tonight's run felt great!! I haven't run since Monday, and I didn't want to stress my poor back and hips out. So I only ran two miles and started those off pretty slowly.
The first mile was awkward. I kept wanting to look at my feet to make sure I wasn't stepping off the running surface and to reassure myself I wasn't going to trip and land face-first into the monitor.
Luckily, I did neither. The second mile was much nicer, and I even picked up the pace to an even 12 minute mile for two minutes. That's a little faster than my fastest pace thusfar. And I was able to keep it up!! Then I decided to back it down for 4.8 mpg, and kept it there for the whole second mile.
My back and hip feel really good so far, too. I told Tim that today was the first day in three weeks that I haven't had pain when walking. What an awesome feeling!!!
Today's stats:
Distance: two miles
Time: 26.45
Pace: 13.23 minute/mile
Total distance (including warm-up and cool-down): 3.3 miles
Total time (everything included): 50 minutes
Ha ha!
I think I could be guilty of libel after my Thursday night post.
There I wrote that the treadmill was inaccurate when keeping track of my mileage.
Looks like I'm actually the guilty party.
I tested it out last night (without me on it) to see if it would keep proper track of mileage if set to 8 mph. Sure enough, it did.
And tonight I finally ran on it for the first time. Guess what? It kept accurate mileage again.
Come to realize, I had reset the silly thing about 7 minutes into my workout that first night. So I was the one shortchanging myself, so to speak.
Anyway, tonight's run felt great!! I haven't run since Monday, and I didn't want to stress my poor back and hips out. So I only ran two miles and started those off pretty slowly.
The first mile was awkward. I kept wanting to look at my feet to make sure I wasn't stepping off the running surface and to reassure myself I wasn't going to trip and land face-first into the monitor.
Luckily, I did neither. The second mile was much nicer, and I even picked up the pace to an even 12 minute mile for two minutes. That's a little faster than my fastest pace thusfar. And I was able to keep it up!! Then I decided to back it down for 4.8 mpg, and kept it there for the whole second mile.
My back and hip feel really good so far, too. I told Tim that today was the first day in three weeks that I haven't had pain when walking. What an awesome feeling!!!
Today's stats:
Distance: two miles
Time: 26.45
Pace: 13.23 minute/mile
Total distance (including warm-up and cool-down): 3.3 miles
Total time (everything included): 50 minutes
Friday, February 9, 2007
My back, part 2
I had another appointment today with my new chiropractor. Did I mention I really like him? He is so nice and quite helpful fielding all my silly questions.
I got to see my x-rays today. To the untrained eye, my insides look like a disaster zone. I was gawking at the front view of my lower spine and pelvis, thinking "Is it supposed to look so BENT?" Seriously, it's as if I was doing side-bends when the darn thing was taken.
After an explanation by doc, I was right. It is really bent. It bends, from the top of my spine down, to the left and then back to the right. Almost like a modified "c". Weird. The vertebrae in my mid- and lower-back are at a weird angle because of it. And my pelvis is all out of alignment, too. Oh, and my sacrum is really funky, too. It's sticking up and out much more than normal, he said. It's supposed to follow the natural curve of the spine, and mine certainly does not.
If anyone's clueless as to what the sacrum is, here is Wikipedia's definition:
"The sacrum is a large, triangular bone at the base of the spine and at the
upper and back part of the pelvic cavity, where it is inserted like a wedge between the two hip bones. Its upper part connects with the last lumbar vertebra, and bottom part with the coccyx (tailbone)."
Anyway, he told me it will probably take a couple months of adjustments, but all my issues can be addressed and corrected so that they're not affecting my quality of life anymore. Thank goodness!!!!! I also had another adjustment today, and will likely have one Monday. AND he said I can continue running, but suggested I run on the all-weather track at the school once or twice a week instead of pounding the pavement every time out.
He said after my problems are corrected, I will only need to maintain it with visits once a month or so. And I'll likely have to have adjustments after races, but I can live with that!!
I got to see my x-rays today. To the untrained eye, my insides look like a disaster zone. I was gawking at the front view of my lower spine and pelvis, thinking "Is it supposed to look so BENT?" Seriously, it's as if I was doing side-bends when the darn thing was taken.
After an explanation by doc, I was right. It is really bent. It bends, from the top of my spine down, to the left and then back to the right. Almost like a modified "c". Weird. The vertebrae in my mid- and lower-back are at a weird angle because of it. And my pelvis is all out of alignment, too. Oh, and my sacrum is really funky, too. It's sticking up and out much more than normal, he said. It's supposed to follow the natural curve of the spine, and mine certainly does not.
If anyone's clueless as to what the sacrum is, here is Wikipedia's definition:
"The sacrum is a large, triangular bone at the base of the spine and at the
upper and back part of the pelvic cavity, where it is inserted like a wedge between the two hip bones. Its upper part connects with the last lumbar vertebra, and bottom part with the coccyx (tailbone)."
Anyway, he told me it will probably take a couple months of adjustments, but all my issues can be addressed and corrected so that they're not affecting my quality of life anymore. Thank goodness!!!!! I also had another adjustment today, and will likely have one Monday. AND he said I can continue running, but suggested I run on the all-weather track at the school once or twice a week instead of pounding the pavement every time out.
He said after my problems are corrected, I will only need to maintain it with visits once a month or so. And I'll likely have to have adjustments after races, but I can live with that!!
Thursday, February 8, 2007
My treadmill can't keep up!!
Ha ha!
I used my new-to-me treadmill tonight for the first time, and went OK. Definitely not as exciting as being outside in the fresh air, but I couldn't work out until around 9:30 p.m., and there's no way I'm heading outside that late.
So I planned on doing some fast walking, and that's what I did. But about 40 minutes into it thetreadmill, which is supposed to top out at 8 mph, could barely keep up with the paltry 4 mph pace I was asking of it. After a minute, the damn thing seemed to give up, slowing to 3.8 mph. Grrrrrr. Just when I was feeling really good and working up a great sweat and all. So I figured I'd stop after 50 minutes. I ended up doing 51 minutes instead because I missed the 50-minute time and I like to end on round number. Lame, I know, and probably a little OCD.
And I think the mileage thing on there is a bit messed up, because most of the time I was going between 3.7 and 4 mph and it said I only went 2.5 miles. Huh? Um, whatever.
Needless to say, if I end up liking working out on treadmills in the future, I will
probably scrap this one for one that can at least provide accurate pace/mileage/etc.
Today's stats:
time: 51 minutes
distance: not really sure
I used my new-to-me treadmill tonight for the first time, and went OK. Definitely not as exciting as being outside in the fresh air, but I couldn't work out until around 9:30 p.m., and there's no way I'm heading outside that late.
So I planned on doing some fast walking, and that's what I did. But about 40 minutes into it thetreadmill, which is supposed to top out at 8 mph, could barely keep up with the paltry 4 mph pace I was asking of it. After a minute, the damn thing seemed to give up, slowing to 3.8 mph. Grrrrrr. Just when I was feeling really good and working up a great sweat and all. So I figured I'd stop after 50 minutes. I ended up doing 51 minutes instead because I missed the 50-minute time and I like to end on round number. Lame, I know, and probably a little OCD.
And I think the mileage thing on there is a bit messed up, because most of the time I was going between 3.7 and 4 mph and it said I only went 2.5 miles. Huh? Um, whatever.
Needless to say, if I end up liking working out on treadmills in the future, I will
probably scrap this one for one that can at least provide accurate pace/mileage/etc.
Today's stats:
time: 51 minutes
distance: not really sure
Walkin' on the treadmill
That's my plan for today.
Since I can't run again yet, I am going to test the waters with the "new" treadmill my hubby (who will now be referred to as Tim, his real name) brought home. If you remember, his co-worker gifted it to us. It's not new by any stretch of the imagination. It's probably vintage early- to mid-1990s. But it will do. It has a monitor that displays time, mileage, pace, even heart rate if you have the proper heart rate device (which I don't). And it goes up to 8 mph, much faster than I can run right now. So it will do until I can get a new treadmill.
I have started feeling better already after my adjustment last night. I am still a little sore, but that's to be expected after having bones manipulated back into place.
OK, I'll be back later to report on how the treadmill walk goes. I'm hoping to bang out a couple miles on it. While I do enjoy walking, I must say I can't wait to get the OK to run again!
Since I can't run again yet, I am going to test the waters with the "new" treadmill my hubby (who will now be referred to as Tim, his real name) brought home. If you remember, his co-worker gifted it to us. It's not new by any stretch of the imagination. It's probably vintage early- to mid-1990s. But it will do. It has a monitor that displays time, mileage, pace, even heart rate if you have the proper heart rate device (which I don't). And it goes up to 8 mph, much faster than I can run right now. So it will do until I can get a new treadmill.
I have started feeling better already after my adjustment last night. I am still a little sore, but that's to be expected after having bones manipulated back into place.
OK, I'll be back later to report on how the treadmill walk goes. I'm hoping to bang out a couple miles on it. While I do enjoy walking, I must say I can't wait to get the OK to run again!
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
No running for a few days
Doctor's orders.
I am so glad I went to the chiropractor this evening. I have been dealing with a pinched nerve in my lower back that has started giving me pain in my left hip. After many questions and a consultation, the doctor, who is very nice, took some x-rays of my back and hip. Come to find out, my back was out of alignment and he said my hips were, too (something of that nature).
He did an adjustment on me. I heard things crack and pop that probably haven't cracked and/or popped in years. My left hip popped like you wouldn't believe. It actually felt really good!! He did my back, my hips and my neck. I was scared to death of the neck adjustment, just because I am not usually a fan of having my head ripped from my body. But it wasn't that bad and kinda felt good, too. :)
After I finish my dinner, I have to ice my lower back for 20 minutes. He said that should help a lot with the inflammation going on with my nerve.
I go back on Friday to go over the x-rays (he looked at them tonight, but didn't have time to go over them in earnest with me) and see how things are going. He said with proper maintenance I should be back and running before too long (possibly this weekend even). And hopefully I'll be pain-free!!
I am so glad I went to the chiropractor this evening. I have been dealing with a pinched nerve in my lower back that has started giving me pain in my left hip. After many questions and a consultation, the doctor, who is very nice, took some x-rays of my back and hip. Come to find out, my back was out of alignment and he said my hips were, too (something of that nature).
He did an adjustment on me. I heard things crack and pop that probably haven't cracked and/or popped in years. My left hip popped like you wouldn't believe. It actually felt really good!! He did my back, my hips and my neck. I was scared to death of the neck adjustment, just because I am not usually a fan of having my head ripped from my body. But it wasn't that bad and kinda felt good, too. :)
After I finish my dinner, I have to ice my lower back for 20 minutes. He said that should help a lot with the inflammation going on with my nerve.
I go back on Friday to go over the x-rays (he looked at them tonight, but didn't have time to go over them in earnest with me) and see how things are going. He said with proper maintenance I should be back and running before too long (possibly this weekend even). And hopefully I'll be pain-free!!
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
5017
That will be my race bib number for the Avenue of the Giants 10K in
May. I am so excited! I love how they put that info on the Internet
these days. They also say who has registered so far for each race,
where they're from, age, etc. Too cool! So far, only 21 people have
registered for the 10K, but we're still three months away from it. But
hundreds have already registered for the half marathon and full
marathon.Hmmm.....
It looks like we might FINALLY get more rain here starting tonight. I am quite happy about that. January was so dry here, and we usually get drenched in the winter. So this year has been weird! The forecast is saying it might rain the rest of the week. I normally wouldn't say this, but bring it on!!
My hubby is bringing home the treadmill his co-worker gave him tonight. I can't wait to see it!! I just hope it's not a huge piece of crap. Talk about perfect timing!! I can try it out this week if it's raining out. And I won't have to push a stroller. Nice. ;)
I have to go out soon and get new running shoes. Maybe this weekend. Another exciting tidbit. Ha ha!
Oh, and I guess I am really a running nerd now, because I desperately want a Garmin! I know I don't NEED it, but oh boy, do I want it! I can just imagine myself out for a weekend run, glancing at my Garmin as it keeps track of how far I've gone and my pace and whatnot. What a dream that would be!!! I am *so* over my watch with it's old-fashioned chronometer (or as hubby calls it, a timer). *I am rolling my eyes now, can't you tell??* Anyway, if anyone's looking to get me a gift, I will gladly accept a Garmin. *wink, wink*
May. I am so excited! I love how they put that info on the Internet
these days. They also say who has registered so far for each race,
where they're from, age, etc. Too cool! So far, only 21 people have
registered for the 10K, but we're still three months away from it. But
hundreds have already registered for the half marathon and full
marathon.Hmmm.....
It looks like we might FINALLY get more rain here starting tonight. I am quite happy about that. January was so dry here, and we usually get drenched in the winter. So this year has been weird! The forecast is saying it might rain the rest of the week. I normally wouldn't say this, but bring it on!!
My hubby is bringing home the treadmill his co-worker gave him tonight. I can't wait to see it!! I just hope it's not a huge piece of crap. Talk about perfect timing!! I can try it out this week if it's raining out. And I won't have to push a stroller. Nice. ;)
I have to go out soon and get new running shoes. Maybe this weekend. Another exciting tidbit. Ha ha!
Oh, and I guess I am really a running nerd now, because I desperately want a Garmin! I know I don't NEED it, but oh boy, do I want it! I can just imagine myself out for a weekend run, glancing at my Garmin as it keeps track of how far I've gone and my pace and whatnot. What a dream that would be!!! I am *so* over my watch with it's old-fashioned chronometer (or as hubby calls it, a timer). *I am rolling my eyes now, can't you tell??* Anyway, if anyone's looking to get me a gift, I will gladly accept a Garmin. *wink, wink*
Monday, February 5, 2007
Please don't flog me...
...but I went running today. *sheepish grin*
The weather was so beautiful and my back was feeling better, so I decided to chance it. The run itself, while slow, felt great! And I don't feel that bad right now, either. I decided just to take it easy and so far, so good. And the kids really loved being outside in the stroller. I hope I am not regretting this tomorrow.
Oh, and my hubby just called to tell me he's getting me a treadmill!! It's used (his co-worker's) but I don't care. I just want something to be able to walk/jog on when it's raining out. So yay for that!!
Today's stats:
distance: 2.32 miles
time: 29.53 minutes
pace: 12.53 minute/mile
The weather was so beautiful and my back was feeling better, so I decided to chance it. The run itself, while slow, felt great! And I don't feel that bad right now, either. I decided just to take it easy and so far, so good. And the kids really loved being outside in the stroller. I hope I am not regretting this tomorrow.
Oh, and my hubby just called to tell me he's getting me a treadmill!! It's used (his co-worker's) but I don't care. I just want something to be able to walk/jog on when it's raining out. So yay for that!!
Today's stats:
distance: 2.32 miles
time: 29.53 minutes
pace: 12.53 minute/mile
This is cool!
I have been awfully bummed the past few days due to my back and hip injury. It feels better today and I really want to run. I don't know if I should or not though.
Anyway, that's not the cool thing. I have been weighing myself on a regular basis now to see if the running, combined with eating slightly less than before, are helping with my weight. As of today, I have lost eight pounds since December!! I know, that's not a ton, but I am very happy with that as a start!! My goal is to lose another 20 or so. I know I will get there eventually. If I lose a pound a week, I'll reach my goal by the end of June. Yeah!
I know a sleeker Micki will help my running. And I'm hoping that carrying a little less weight will allow me to reach an immediate goal: consistently running a pace under 12 minutes per mile. I am looking forward to that!
Anyway, that's not the cool thing. I have been weighing myself on a regular basis now to see if the running, combined with eating slightly less than before, are helping with my weight. As of today, I have lost eight pounds since December!! I know, that's not a ton, but I am very happy with that as a start!! My goal is to lose another 20 or so. I know I will get there eventually. If I lose a pound a week, I'll reach my goal by the end of June. Yeah!
I know a sleeker Micki will help my running. And I'm hoping that carrying a little less weight will allow me to reach an immediate goal: consistently running a pace under 12 minutes per mile. I am looking forward to that!
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Ugh!
I have been dealing with a pinched nerve in my back. It's something I've had for years, but now it's re-aggravated and making my life awful. Today it's radiating pain into my left hip again, and it hurts just to walk. I am not doing my long run today. I might just not run until after I get in to see the chiropractor on Wednesday. It's hard though, because in mind I really, REALLY want to run today, but I just know my body would not cooperate. And I really don't to hurt myself more than I already am. It just stinks. :(
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Running for time
Today I decided to run strictly for time. I didn't want to worry about the distance I was covering, and I wanted a change of pace from my usual route. So I loaded the kids and the stroller in the van and headed down to the river trail. It's a packed-gravel trail that parallels the Eel River. It's really a pretty place.
We set out for my warm-up, and I almost stopped my workout right then and there. I've been dealing with a pinched nerve in my back that has been making my life miserable for years. Apparently, it's pinched again and giving me problems. When I started the warm-up, my back and left hip weren't feeling that great. But I kept walking, and eventually it felt much better.
It was weird running on gravel instead of pavement. You definitely have to watch your footing at times. As I was running, I glanced over at the river and noticed how low the water was. We haven't had a substantial rain for at least a month, and it's really starting to show. Our front lawn, which is usually lush and green in the winter, is still dry and dead like it was in September. Man, we need some rain!!!!
Anyway, I ran 30 minutes today. Don't know the distance, but I'm sure it was over two miles. I go to the chiropractor next Wednesday to have my back adjusted. I hope it helps with my problem!!
We set out for my warm-up, and I almost stopped my workout right then and there. I've been dealing with a pinched nerve in my back that has been making my life miserable for years. Apparently, it's pinched again and giving me problems. When I started the warm-up, my back and left hip weren't feeling that great. But I kept walking, and eventually it felt much better.
It was weird running on gravel instead of pavement. You definitely have to watch your footing at times. As I was running, I glanced over at the river and noticed how low the water was. We haven't had a substantial rain for at least a month, and it's really starting to show. Our front lawn, which is usually lush and green in the winter, is still dry and dead like it was in September. Man, we need some rain!!!!
Anyway, I ran 30 minutes today. Don't know the distance, but I'm sure it was over two miles. I go to the chiropractor next Wednesday to have my back adjusted. I hope it helps with my problem!!
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