I had probably one of my worst runs ever yesterday. We were in San Antonio for my hubby's umpire meeting and I decided I'd get my 7 mile run in on the treadmill in the hotel's fitness center. I had thought about running outside there, but I was afraid of running alone in an unfamiliar place. It ended up being rainy and cold anyway, so treadmill it was. The fitness center was hot, but at least it was dry. I was scheduled to run 7, but I did good to get 5 miles done...and even then I had to walk some. Walk some! It has been a long time since I've had to walk on a run. I have no idea what was going on. I know so much of running is mental, but I don't think that explains it.
So, back on track for this week we go. It's a no-brainer. I have to hit my mileage and my strength training...no options here. It's not like I have some big complicated training plan for strength training...for now, I'm sticking to the plan I saw on runlikeamotherbook.com. It's Dimity's plan (I think) and consists of just 6 moves. Why is this so hard for me?
I think the only way I'm going to get this done is some serious planning/reward/schedule deal with myself. I'm thinking an old-fashioned reward chart is going to reach the kid in me. Two stickers a week gets me a chai latte on the weekend. A month of two stickers a week gets me new running gear. Hmm....maybe I'm on to something.
Speaking of gear, I found these running tights at a Nike outlet this weekend. And passed them up. I'm cheap, what can I say? But now I wish I'd gotten them. They had vents behind the knees and zippers up the back of the ankle. And they were gray, so I could break out of my black rut. I also found a cool running top at the Nike store in Grapevine. I loved all its features but it didn't fit quite right. I'm quite short-bodied, and it was just not made for that. It has a vented upper back and underarms, a zipper pocket across the lower back, a slide-in pocket (perfect for gels or chews) on the back, a half zipper front, short sleeves and a mock turtleneck neckline. If only it hadn't been made for tall people...
Ok, back to the idea of motivation. Maybe a calendar really will help, but something I've been meaning to do, and maybe I will get around to tomorrow since we have a day off, is make some posters or cards of quotes that keep me going. Some of them are Bible verses and others are just phrases. If I get around to it tomorrow, I'll post them here.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
2011 Challenge
Ok, I've come up with a challenge...for myself, mainly, but you're welcome to join. I'm challenging myself to run 1100 km in 2011. That equals 683.5 miles, which is an aveage of 57 miles a month or 14 miles a week. I'm thinking I can do that, especially since I'm training for a 13.1 mile race.
I had originally said I wanted to run an average of 50 miles a month to equal 600 miles for the year, but I like the idea of 1100km in 2011...corny, I know.
I just signed up on dailymile.com. I'm not sure if I'll get the hang of using it regularly. You can hook up your Garmin to it as well, but I definitely haven't gotten that far with it. Right now, I'm only using my Garmin about once a week, if I'm lucky enough to get to run outside. So, for now, I'll just hand enter my info there to see if I like the tracking.
I already keep a log of my training. I like being able to see how much I've done, and I am hoping this dailymile thing will help me keep up.
So, back to the challenge...anyone want to join me?
I had originally said I wanted to run an average of 50 miles a month to equal 600 miles for the year, but I like the idea of 1100km in 2011...corny, I know.
I just signed up on dailymile.com. I'm not sure if I'll get the hang of using it regularly. You can hook up your Garmin to it as well, but I definitely haven't gotten that far with it. Right now, I'm only using my Garmin about once a week, if I'm lucky enough to get to run outside. So, for now, I'll just hand enter my info there to see if I like the tracking.
I already keep a log of my training. I like being able to see how much I've done, and I am hoping this dailymile thing will help me keep up.
So, back to the challenge...anyone want to join me?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
29:12
Yep, I finally did it! I ran a 5K (albeit on the treadmill) in less than 30 minutes! I was thrilled. And I ran the last mile faster than the first too. I even felt like I had more in me, that I could have gone faster, or farther, or both.
My calves/shins are paying for the speed a little this evening, but after performing some sort of acrobatic-meets-contortionist moves to get these compression sleeves on, I'm hoping they'll feel better quickly.
During this morning's run, I had this sort of weird thought of three words that I hadn't heard before, or at least not this context and order. And as they came to mind, some other connections came to mind with these words. The words were "Power, Energy Strength" and the stream-of-consciousness went something like this...power comes from God as in power in the blood or "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (and why that wasn't connected to strength I don't know) and I thought that power is from the soul. Then I thought of energy and how it is connected to our minds and how much running is a mental thing and I have to put forth the mental effort to get my rear out of bed and get running. Then I thought of strength, probably because I was really trying to finish a 5K in under 30 for the first time ever. And what was really cool is that I realized that I am strong and this strength is leading to speed, so the word strength is connected to my body. So, in essence, "Power, Energy, Strength" is the equivalent of "Soul, Mind, Body." Maybe I have a mantra.
My calves/shins are paying for the speed a little this evening, but after performing some sort of acrobatic-meets-contortionist moves to get these compression sleeves on, I'm hoping they'll feel better quickly.
During this morning's run, I had this sort of weird thought of three words that I hadn't heard before, or at least not this context and order. And as they came to mind, some other connections came to mind with these words. The words were "Power, Energy Strength" and the stream-of-consciousness went something like this...power comes from God as in power in the blood or "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (and why that wasn't connected to strength I don't know) and I thought that power is from the soul. Then I thought of energy and how it is connected to our minds and how much running is a mental thing and I have to put forth the mental effort to get my rear out of bed and get running. Then I thought of strength, probably because I was really trying to finish a 5K in under 30 for the first time ever. And what was really cool is that I realized that I am strong and this strength is leading to speed, so the word strength is connected to my body. So, in essence, "Power, Energy, Strength" is the equivalent of "Soul, Mind, Body." Maybe I have a mantra.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
10 p.m. already?
And I didn't get my long run in. Go figure. I am blaming it on having to work on a Saturday morning today. I would much rather have been running. Watching a bunch of students take a test was quite boring, although I did find out that I can read a 200-page book in about an hour and a half. I got home around lunch time, but after the first week back to school after the holidays and then working this morning, I didn't want to head back out the door. Plus, we still had a Christmas tree to put away...and gifts that needed homes...and a kitchen to clean. So, the run had to wait. I kept saying I'd run on the treadmill tonight, but 9 p.m. rolled around and I didn't want to start a run then. I'll run tomorrow, either after lunch (never a great idea, I've found) outside or in the evening on the treadmill.
Now that January is here, I've realized that not only do I have to get my training in for the half marathon, but I also have to raise my $250 for the Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure program. My idea is to get a business to sponsor me the whole amount and then air-brush tattoo their logo or a dedication they'd like on my upper shoulder (since I'm planning on wearing my tank and arm warmers) for the race. I figure $250 to a charitable organization and free advertising should work, right? I hope so...it sure is hard to nickel and dime it for the donations...but I can do it if I have to.
Now that January is here, I've realized that not only do I have to get my training in for the half marathon, but I also have to raise my $250 for the Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure program. My idea is to get a business to sponsor me the whole amount and then air-brush tattoo their logo or a dedication they'd like on my upper shoulder (since I'm planning on wearing my tank and arm warmers) for the race. I figure $250 to a charitable organization and free advertising should work, right? I hope so...it sure is hard to nickel and dime it for the donations...but I can do it if I have to.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Speedwork
This morning (at 4:35, mind you) the alarm went off and I knew what was coming...speedwork. My Runner's World Smart Coach plan called for 3 1600 repeats, but I wasn't going for that. So I looked at the Hal Higdon plan and followed it. It called for 5x400 at 5K pace (which I altered to mean 7mph on the treadmill). It was a good workout, but I'm not sure I like 400's for a half marathon training plan. Next week will be a tempo run so I have a couple of weeks to figure this out. I may just modify my speedwork. I liked when I did increasing speeds for 400s or 800s. I also like intervals. And I really need to add hills somewhere. Still, the plan is to use Wednesdays as speedwork alternating tempo runs with something else (whether hills, intervals or flatout speedwork).
On a different note, I found this: http://www.ragnarrelay.com/biggestloser And I'm seriously considering entering. Granted, the likelihood of me actually winning a spot is a million to one, but man, what if I did? How cool would that be? And would I be able to get the time off work? And would I be able to "hang with the big boys"?
A relay would really be awesome though! I've looked at and considered this one: http://www.texasindependencerelay.com/ Of course, I like that it's a Texas thing, but it really looks like a lot of fun. The logistics of a relay are mind-bogling to me, but I'd love to give it a shot!
Anyway, I'm back to counting calories (although I may skip counting today's...not good...not good at all). I'm hoping I can see some sort of change in the right direction. I'd really like to tone up before the half. Of course, that comes down to doing that darn strength training again...which I forgot last night...again. I even took the "plan" to school with me thinking I could do it on my conference period. Wrong!
And I signed up for these Choose You! contracts for weight loss and strength training, and I'm failing miserably. I think I've gained weight instead and I haven't done my strength training. I'm just glad I didn't tie a monetary amount to mine. I'm sure that's motivation, but I'd be losing some serous money at this point.
On a different note, I found this: http://www.ragnarrelay.com/biggestloser And I'm seriously considering entering. Granted, the likelihood of me actually winning a spot is a million to one, but man, what if I did? How cool would that be? And would I be able to get the time off work? And would I be able to "hang with the big boys"?
A relay would really be awesome though! I've looked at and considered this one: http://www.texasindependencerelay.com/ Of course, I like that it's a Texas thing, but it really looks like a lot of fun. The logistics of a relay are mind-bogling to me, but I'd love to give it a shot!
Anyway, I'm back to counting calories (although I may skip counting today's...not good...not good at all). I'm hoping I can see some sort of change in the right direction. I'd really like to tone up before the half. Of course, that comes down to doing that darn strength training again...which I forgot last night...again. I even took the "plan" to school with me thinking I could do it on my conference period. Wrong!
And I signed up for these Choose You! contracts for weight loss and strength training, and I'm failing miserably. I think I've gained weight instead and I haven't done my strength training. I'm just glad I didn't tie a monetary amount to mine. I'm sure that's motivation, but I'd be losing some serous money at this point.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Vitamins, supplements, etc.
After nearly tossing my cookies again this morning after taking my vitamins, I'm wondering if I need to think about switching something up. I'm happy with what I'm taking and the effects (well, except for that queasy feeling right after I take them). I can tell when I don't take them. Here's what I'm taking now:
1. Women's Metabolism Support one-a-day
2. B complex (this is my happy pill)
3. Magnesium (I'm almost positive this one keeps my headaches at bay)
4. Probiotic enzyme (and I can definitely tell when I don't take this one for more than a day or two...enough said)
I was taking CoQ10 to balance my cholesterol med, but since I haven't been taking that one like I should, I dropped the CoQ10.
I tried chromium (I think I'd read that it helped with weight loss) for a while, but it actually made me very angry feeling. As soon as I'd dropped it, those feelings went away.
And now, I'm trying fish oil. I got it a while back and then promptly (read: the next day) read that it might not be safe. Now, it looks like it is ok, so I started it tonight. We'll see how that goes.
My biggest goal is to get back in the habit of taking my calcium with vitamins D and K. I had thought about taking extra D and K, but for now, I'm just going to aim on getting the calcium chews in every day.
I guess the thing now is to figure out if I want to go through the hassle of finding what I want to take in a form that will a) be less likely to cause that weird puke-y, passing out feeling and b) be as effective as possible.
1. Women's Metabolism Support one-a-day
2. B complex (this is my happy pill)
3. Magnesium (I'm almost positive this one keeps my headaches at bay)
4. Probiotic enzyme (and I can definitely tell when I don't take this one for more than a day or two...enough said)
I was taking CoQ10 to balance my cholesterol med, but since I haven't been taking that one like I should, I dropped the CoQ10.
I tried chromium (I think I'd read that it helped with weight loss) for a while, but it actually made me very angry feeling. As soon as I'd dropped it, those feelings went away.
And now, I'm trying fish oil. I got it a while back and then promptly (read: the next day) read that it might not be safe. Now, it looks like it is ok, so I started it tonight. We'll see how that goes.
My biggest goal is to get back in the habit of taking my calcium with vitamins D and K. I had thought about taking extra D and K, but for now, I'm just going to aim on getting the calcium chews in every day.
I guess the thing now is to figure out if I want to go through the hassle of finding what I want to take in a form that will a) be less likely to cause that weird puke-y, passing out feeling and b) be as effective as possible.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Year's Run
I ran my 6 miles yesterday as my first run of the year and as part of the World Run Day virtual run.
It was cold! At first, I thought I was overdressed, but as I ran, I quickly found out I was pretty right on. The only thing I ended up shedding was a buff I had around my neck. It was handy for the first mile or so, but then I warmed up and threw it in my vest pocket. I am loving my new Nike DriFit top with the thumbholes! And I love my BondiBand hat with the ponytail hole! And I love my new SpiBelt (even if I did forget to actually put my phone in it before I left).
I tried Honey Stingers as well, and while I'm still getting the hang of chewing and running, I liked the texture and the effect...no crazy energy rush, just a nice boost when I felt like I was lagging a bit. I only had a couple every couple of miles and am definitely trying them again.
It felt great to run on the first day of the year...an omen of things to come this year. Unlike Friday's run, I spent this one thinking about the present and the year ahead. I tried to come up with some creative way of labeling or categorizing my resolutions for this year, but I came up short. So, instead, I just have a regular old list. It looks something like this:
1. Make time for a Bible study and prayer time daily
2. More face time and less Facebook (with my kids, husband, family and friends)
3. Strength train 2x a week
4. Finish my half marathon strong and decide on whether or not to do a marathon (which goes along with my goal to run 600 miles this year)
5. Increase fruits, veggies and water while decreasing refined carbs and sugar
You know, that looks a lot better than all the things I had floating around my head on the run. Hmmm...interesting. Usually a run is very clarifying for these sorts of things. Still, I came back thrilled that I'd run 6 miles in 1:10:16 (and I'd stopped to tie my shoe once...which I've never had to do on a run...and wait for a car once).
Today is a rest day, and I'm glad! I'm not too sore though, but I am looking forward to using The Stick to work out a few kinks.
We go back to school tomorrow, which always makes fitting in runs and training a little more difficult. Still, routine is a good thing. I'll get my miles in at 4:30 or so each morning before getting ready. Now if I can just get that strength training in. I guess I'll have to just get up that early 5 days a week now. I'd love to do it Tuesday/Thursday nights, but I just haven't gotten that down yet.
On a different note, I'm thinking about running with our puppy. Jessie's a 7-month-old black lab with entirely too much energy. She chews on everything, and I think a run or two a week would do her some good. There are a couple of problems with this though. First, she's not trained yet and doesn't follow commands and I don't feel like being pulled all over the planet. Second, I know that running with a dog is actually safer, but I hate dogs barking at me while I run and I know that running with Jessie will just make them bark more. Still, I think it would be good for both of us to run together. I just need to get her a good harness, and we'll head out for our first run.
It was cold! At first, I thought I was overdressed, but as I ran, I quickly found out I was pretty right on. The only thing I ended up shedding was a buff I had around my neck. It was handy for the first mile or so, but then I warmed up and threw it in my vest pocket. I am loving my new Nike DriFit top with the thumbholes! And I love my BondiBand hat with the ponytail hole! And I love my new SpiBelt (even if I did forget to actually put my phone in it before I left).
I tried Honey Stingers as well, and while I'm still getting the hang of chewing and running, I liked the texture and the effect...no crazy energy rush, just a nice boost when I felt like I was lagging a bit. I only had a couple every couple of miles and am definitely trying them again.
It felt great to run on the first day of the year...an omen of things to come this year. Unlike Friday's run, I spent this one thinking about the present and the year ahead. I tried to come up with some creative way of labeling or categorizing my resolutions for this year, but I came up short. So, instead, I just have a regular old list. It looks something like this:
1. Make time for a Bible study and prayer time daily
2. More face time and less Facebook (with my kids, husband, family and friends)
3. Strength train 2x a week
4. Finish my half marathon strong and decide on whether or not to do a marathon (which goes along with my goal to run 600 miles this year)
5. Increase fruits, veggies and water while decreasing refined carbs and sugar
You know, that looks a lot better than all the things I had floating around my head on the run. Hmmm...interesting. Usually a run is very clarifying for these sorts of things. Still, I came back thrilled that I'd run 6 miles in 1:10:16 (and I'd stopped to tie my shoe once...which I've never had to do on a run...and wait for a car once).
Today is a rest day, and I'm glad! I'm not too sore though, but I am looking forward to using The Stick to work out a few kinks.
We go back to school tomorrow, which always makes fitting in runs and training a little more difficult. Still, routine is a good thing. I'll get my miles in at 4:30 or so each morning before getting ready. Now if I can just get that strength training in. I guess I'll have to just get up that early 5 days a week now. I'd love to do it Tuesday/Thursday nights, but I just haven't gotten that down yet.
On a different note, I'm thinking about running with our puppy. Jessie's a 7-month-old black lab with entirely too much energy. She chews on everything, and I think a run or two a week would do her some good. There are a couple of problems with this though. First, she's not trained yet and doesn't follow commands and I don't feel like being pulled all over the planet. Second, I know that running with a dog is actually safer, but I hate dogs barking at me while I run and I know that running with Jessie will just make them bark more. Still, I think it would be good for both of us to run together. I just need to get her a good harness, and we'll head out for our first run.
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