Change of scenery

Today we visited the inlaws. I took my running clothes, hoping to get a run in while we were there.

My mother-in-law graciously agreed to watch the kids while I went running (thanks again!). So I set out for a four-miler under clear blue skies. It was gorgeous out!

The run was good, although there were some slight hills that slowed me down a bit. I am definitely not used to running hills anymore. I need to do something about that. But overall it felt good to be out and clear my head of all the stresses of the past week.

We might get rain tomorrow, which will be a good thing because we need it badly. Maybe if it's not too bad I'll venture out for another run. I am hoping to get out of my rut and back into good running days again! Maybe I am on my way.....

Today's stats:
Run (outdoors):
Distance: four miles
Time: 44:54
Pace: 11:13 minute/mile

Mind games

For some reason, this month has been a tough one for me regarding my running. I have been much busier with school and all, but my overall motivation for running has taken a dive. I mean, I am very glad after I do it, but it's a little harder mentally to get it done. I hope I'm just having an off month, you know?

But I did run today at the track. Only three miles. Even though mentally it was tough, I still set a new PR for that distance. I have no idea how I did it, but I think the fact Tim and the kids were there with me made me run faster. Tim was really hungry and I knew it, so I guess I felt I had to get done faster so he could get something to eat. LOL.

Tomorrow's a preschool day for Kara, so I might take advantage of her being gone and do a couple miles on the treadmill. If I can get Matty to go back to sleep, that is. If not, I will probably strap him into the stroller and do an outdoor run. I just hope the motivation doesn't wear off before morning. Guess I'll go to bed soon so I can at least get some sleep and feel rested. I haven't had a good night's sleep all week. Maybe that's why my motivation is in the crapper.

Today's stats:
Run (outdoor):
Distance: three miles
Time: 30:29 (new PR; old one was 31:07 set on July 14)
Pace: 10:09 minute/mile

Splits:
Mile 1: 10:30
Mile 2: 10:20
Mile 3: 9:39 (wowza!!)

Gonna toot my horn

So I got the results back today from my first big biology test, taken last week.

I just knew I had done well after I finished taking it.

I didn't know how well until tonight.

Out of 100 possible points, I received 100. :-) Only one other person in our class (of almost 50 students) got 100 points.

Overall, 11 people got an A, 11 a B, 10 garnered a C, 4 received a D and a whopping 11 earned an F.

Teacher Jen wrote little green stars on the front of my test. ;-)

I did just fine.

Out of a total of 140 points for the entire class, I have earned 160. Thanks again, extra credit!

I will really not be happy now unless I keep this A until the end of the semester. I don't see why I wouldn't, though.

Coming back on to add my stationary bike ride stats from tonight. :-)

Today's stats:
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 36:54

Ahhh! Much better!

I got out for my first long run in a couple weeks today. All I can say is I really, *really* needed it. I was starting to feel totally funky (not in a good way), so going for an outdoor run was a great way to help with my blahs.

I went to the middle school track again, thinking I would run the whole time there. Well, about 3.5 miles into it I got bored and headed out on the street. I ran a little more than a mile through downtown and finished the last 1/2 mile on the track. It overall was a very good run. I don't think I PR'd this time, but it felt good to be back at it. Plus, the weather was spectacular today!

***Coming back to update***

I just went back through my previous posts and found that I DID set a PR for five miles today! My old PR was set WAY back in July. Cool!!!!

Today's stats:
Run (outdoors):
Distance: five miles
Time: 54:20 (new PR; previous was 54:48 set on July 22)
Pace: 10:51 minute/mile

Conquering the world, three miles at a time

The title kinda says it all, no? ;-)

At least I was able to run today. I hopped on the treadmill while Matty napped and Kara watched The Little Mermaid -- AGAIN. That girl just LOVES that movie!!

I only felt well enough to run three miles. And I didn't keep track of the time. Today was one of those days where the time didn't matter to me. I just wanted to get it done!

I am hoping to feel better this weekend so I can run longer than that. Actually, I might try to do another short run tomorrow and then a long one Sunday. That would be perfect.

Today's stats:
Run (treadmill)
Distance: three miles
Time: didn't keep track

Sick or well??

I don't know.

I am still "getting over" this sinus infection, but I sure didn't feel like I was getting better today. Let's just say I took a step or two back in my recovery. My head got all stuffed up again and I felt generally unwell. So I didn't run. I didn't have the energy, and that sucks. I am hoping tomorrow will better and I can run then. Please, oh please. This month has been really, really crappy for my running, and I want to rectify the situation, but it's so hard when I'm feeling ill!!

I did use the bike tonight, since I felt like I *had* to do something. I even cranked the resistance up a few notches. Better than nothing.

On a happier note, I took my first biology test last night and am fairly sure I aced it. I knew the answer to every question on the test. I literally started beaming when I saw the test questions. It couldn't have been better had I written the test myself. I am so glad I really enjoy this class. Actually, I am really enjoying being back in college. I know I am more motivated this time around to do well,and so far I am doing everything right. I will know what my test score is by next week, but let's just say I am not worried in the slightest. I don't think I've ever felt this confident following a test. :-)

OK, time to wrap this up. Hope everyone has a great Friday!

Today's stats:
Bike:
Time: 30 minutes
Distance: 8.09 miles

Squeezing workouts in

It seems like my recent workouts have been squeezed in when I have time. I have been so busy with class and studying that working out has been secondary. But I am still doing it!

I have my first big biology test tomorrow, so I hope this weekend I will feel a little less stressed and be able to do a long run. The good thing is I feel about as well-prepared as I can be for this test, as I have been memorizing everything and studying every day. I am hoping it won't be as hard as we all think!

I got my grades for my second lab and the extra credit lab I completed. I got perfect scores on both! So now I have earned 60 points out of a possible 40! Thanks, extra credit!!! ;-) It's a good thing I am ahead of the game, because I will be missing a lab next month because we're going on vacation. So I need all the extra credit I can get!!!

Today's stats:
Stationary bike:
Distance: 10 miles
Time: 34:28