New Milestone

7 miles! Complete without a walking break... man I feel like I actually accomplished something. Just 6 weeks and I could be up to a 10 mile run imagine that. I felt great on this run and burned approximately 825 calories how great is that!
I was suppose to just go 6 miles but I felt so good I decided to tack on some more distance. Honestly Mentally and aerobically I could have kept going for a mile or two but my knees were saying time to stop. I am so looking forward to my next long run.

Logging Miles

Ok I think I can remember what I've run the past week. 5 miles on Friday the 13th, 4 miles on Sunday with pyramid intervals, 3 miles on Monday I think but I'm not positive on this one, 4.5 miles on Thursday an 3 miles today.
My 4 mile run with pyramid intervals went very well. I hadn't worked on speed intervals in quite a few weeks. It felt good to really push myself.
My 4.5 mile was awesome. I really did not want to go running. There were some thunderstorms that came through that night and I had mixed feelings. I was disappointed to not be able to run but then again relieved that I had an excuse not to go. Well the storms cleared up by 7:00 so I pushed myself out the door. The run was great a little muggy and buggy but I did not once feel like walking for the entire run. I haven't had a great run like that in quite a while.
Today I did double duty I did The Firm in the afternoon then a 3 mile run after dinner. I was hoping to go on a 6 mile run but Jake's schedule didn't allow for it. Tomorrow 6 miles that is the plan. I also want to go for a bike ride tomorrow morning.
I have been pushing working on weight training on my upper body. My arms are sore. All during my run today I could feel the muscles in my chest were so sore. But I like the soreness from working hard. It lets you know something is happening you muscles are breaking down and becoming stronger. All my muscles are sore except my Biceps despite doing 3 sets of 10 of bicep curls and hammer curls I think it is time to get some 12 lb weight for the Biceps.
I have rambled on long enough I need to find another race to run in the next few weeks.

Great Shape?!

I have done such a bad job keeping track of my miles. I can't even remember what I ran this last week. I know I ran a 5 mile on Saturday and then a 4 mile on Wednesday and surely I ran something last Thursday or Friday I just can't remember what.

My 4 mile run on Wednesday was great. The weather was wonderful and a felt really good. I made it the whole way with out taking a walking break. I only paused shortly once so I could get the spray of a sprinkler. I love running under sprinklers. I love when I am running and I get a mile or two in and realize I am barely out of breath and feeling great. I am definitely in the best cardiovascular shape I have probably ever been in. I wish I could say the same about the rest of me.

Actually the last couple weeks I've actually gained a couple pounds. How annoying is that. I think it is due to my decrease in mileage. For a while I was running close to 25 miles a week with several long runs. I have cut back drastically but I'm still eating like I'm running 25 miles a week hence the extra pounds. So I need to ramp up the mileage or change the way I'm eating or really Ideally both. But exercising more is so much easier than eating less. I just love to eat. Yet I know I don't eat well I'm addicted to sugar and I snack way to much and I have so little self control when it comes to food. Still gaining weight is not an option so hmmmm. I
plan to go for a run tonight I think I'll go for 5 miles I haven't run a good 5 miler in a long time.

Firecracker

I ran a 5k this morning. My chip time was 28:34 a personal record.Unfortunately I don't think it was incredibly accurate. The first turn around point did not have a cone and I think by the time I got there the crowd had started cutting the corner some. Still I am happy with my time but it might just be a while before I'll be able to beat that time. I was 30th in my age group so I still have a LONG way to go to become competitive. It was the first run I went to by myself so that made it a little boring. My neighbor asked if I wanted to do an 8K next weekend, I'm considering it. I am also considering an adventure race in September this is what the info says about this race

Our first ever adventure race is not your average running or biking experience! Coed teams of three will test their overall mental and physical abilities by completing team challenges. The course could include: running, biking, canoeing, a rope crawl, tire run, a six-man ski run, word scrambles, riddles, locating hidden check points and more.



It sounds like a blast. The deterring factors are our bikes aren't exactly race worthy they are more like leisurely Sunday ride bikes. Also we would need to find a third participant. Well I'll just start working on my biking and upper arm strength and leave it out there as a possibility.

Been a while

I haven't blogged in forever. I've still been running. I've logged 62 miles since I last posted. I've run a couple more 6 miles and a 5k. My 5k went pretty well I was just a little short of breaking 30 minutes. My time was 30:21. I was surprised when I reached the final stretch and saw the clock at 29 I was thinking I might just make it. I put it into fast gear but it was just too far. The week after the 5k I didn't get a chance to run at all due to Jake's busy schedule and I just couldn't motivate myself to get out in the heat with the jogging stroller. Then since then I've been running but nothing more than some 3 milers. I want to get in a long run this weekend maybe this afternoon or tomorrow morning. I'm planning to run another 5k on July 4th. Due to my poor training the past few weeks I'm not very hopeful of beating the 30 minute barrier. Maybe I can fit in some speed drills in the next couple days before the 4th.

6 Miles

I went out for my first six mile run last night. I knew I would need to pace myself so my first two miles weren't taxing to make it. Unfortunately it didn't work out that way. I was tired from the beginning. By the time I got to the 2 mile point I was a lot more out of breath than I would have liked. The third mile took me down Birdie Hills Rd and hills is a very appropriate name for that road. The hills were steep, long and many but I made it. By the four mile point I was on a good pace 41 minutes total time. Then I just died on the 5th mile and the 6th wasn't much better. It took me 30 minutes to go the last two miles. So I'm a little discouraged about the 10K I only have one more over 6 mile run scheduled between now and the race. I'm not sure I will really be up to doing it.

I need to get in two runs in the next 4 days. Jake is Busy 3 of those 4 nights and my parents are taking care of James and Rachel. So I think I am doomed to take out the jogging stroller or go out super early in the morning. Decisions I think I would rather get up early until it is actually time for me to crawl out of bed at 5:00 am then I feel totally different about the situation.

Run with my Neighbor

Today my neighbor and I were finally able to go out for a run together. She is an early riser so we decided on a 7:00 run before it got too hot. So it was a very early morning after a late church night. We ran the 2.5 mile route. It was pretty slow going with several walking breaks. I enjoyed the company though. I like running by myself but it is fun to change it up every once and a while. I'm looking forward to further fostering that relationship through this shared interest of running. After we got back to our houses she ended and I went on to run another 3 miles. I went against the grade of the hill and did quite well. After making it all the way up the incline without taking a walking break I was smiling for a job well done.

Tomorrow I plan to tackle a 6 mile route. It will need to be latter in the evening when it gets cooler. I'm excited about this route it takes me around a big loop. I like routes that go far from my home it makes me feel like I'm really accomplishing something. I mapped the route on google and it said a 15 min driving time. Running should take me at least 4.5 times as long.

Miles for the week 16.5

Run Run Run

Let's see I put in three runs since I wrote last. I was suppose to run Monday night but was tired and busy and didn't feel up to it. So I planned on going out before Jake left for work. Yeah right! I was lazy and stayed in bed. I knew I had to get a run in so I was preparing to take the jogging stroller out when I realized I had a voicemail from my parents. My mom asked if I wanted her to watch the boys that day. I said sure I was about to go for a run come on over and watch them. So I avoided taking the jogging stroller out once again. I ran 3.5 miles with 4 1:30 aerobic intervals.

Wednesday I put in a run as soon as Jake got home. It was so hot. I only ran 3 miles and took two walking breaks. Last night it was a lot cooler after the rain came in. I ran 4.5 miles then 4 gentle pickups at the end for a total of 5 miles. I forgot to tell Jake I was going for a long run and he started to become concerned shortly before I arrived back. I felt great. I took the pace really slow. I barely felt out of breath for the first two miles. Of course the last half was more of a challenge. But I was able to run the entire thing and had a lot of energy for the gentle pickups at the end. It is fun to run really fast in the GP's but I can only do that a short time and feel like I'm going to die afterward.

The 5k I was planning on doing tomorrow had a location change due to some flooding. It will now be held at a track. 12 times around a track I don't know that I really want to do that sounds very boring. I'm not sure if I'm still going to participate or not. Still deciding on the 10K in may. I don't think I will do very well on the hills.

Go the Distance

Thursday I did a 4 mile run with 3 gentle pick ups. I think I got the only 5 minutes of sun for the entire day during my run. It was rather steamy so I was wanting the sun to go back behind the clouds and the rain to fall.

Saturday I decided to run a 5K race with my neighbor. The race was literally right behind my house. I ran over to the start of the race, about 1 mile. I got registered and waited for the race to begin. I spent sometime talking with my neighbor and some fellow runners. I felt really good during the race especially the first 1.5 miles I was barely out of breath. Maybe that isn't a good thing and I should have been pushing myself harder. Still I didn't want to push myself too hard and have no energy at the end. The second half of the race had some more hill and was harder. At about the two mile mark I was thinking why in the world did I run over here I could really use that energy about now. I finished up 2 minutes faster than my last race at about 30 min. It was taking forever for them to tally the final times so I left without finding out what my exact time was. Jake brought the boys over to me cause he was on his way up to church. So the boys and I walked home stopping at some garage sales and the park on our way back. By the time I got home I was so warn out. I couldn't wait for nap time so I could lay down too.

Today I had a great run. I ran 5 miles a new distance for me. I felt absolutely great. I had the same breakfast as the day before, toast with peanut butter and honey. It was the perfect meal before running. I couldn't believe how good I felt on the run today. I ran the whole time and even had energy at the end to push the pace and finish hard. I know my time wasn't all that great but I just felt great about going the distance.

I am a little discouraged about the 10K. I talked to someone at the race who has run that race before. He said it starts out with a fairly large hill. Then it just keeps having hills up and down through the course. So I don't know, hills are not my friend. Unfortunately there aren't too many 10k races so I don't really want to let this opportunity pass me by.

Miles this week: 18

Soaked

I only had a very small window in which to run last night. I had to head out as soon as he got home so that I would be back in time for him to go to his meeting. So even though it was sprinkling I started. I could see the ominous black clouds to the south and I knew that was a bad sign. When I topped the hill I could see rain falling from the hills to the south and west. I thought I think I can beat it home. At the 2 mile mark down came the rain. I was absolutely drenched. I couldn't have been wetter if I had been thrown into a swimming pool. I was just thankful I hadn't decided to wear a white shirt. The good thing about the rain is it gave me something else to think about during that last mile. I had no desire to stop and walk and wasn't even thinking about my tired legs and burning lungs. All I could think was lets get home and out of the rain. Actually the rain wasn't that bad I didn't mind getting wet. It was warm enough that it was a rather pleasant experience. The annoying part was the rain blowing into my eyes I couldn't look at anything but my feet. Well 3 miles last night and I did a 2 mile run on Monday.

More Running

Let's see I ran 4.5 miles on Saturday first time for that distance. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to go out until 2:00. By that time it was in the 80's but with a nice breeze it was still pleasant. It was rough to get through the whole distance, but not quite as bad as I thought it might be.

Sunday I ran a very rough 4 miles with three gentle pickups in the middle. I woke up Sunday morning and as soon as I came out Jake said go running. He wanted me to get done so he could mow the lawn. I so did not feel like going running. I was tired from my run the day before and my arms were sore from the weight lifting I had done. Still I got ready and headed out. The temperature was perfect and there wasn't any strong wind. I started out and felt really good for the first 2 miles then I started throwing in the gentle pickups. Well they were anything but "gentle". The idea is to pick up your pace to 90% of all out in 100 yds the hold it there for ~30 yds then decrease and walk to recover. Well once I finished three of those I was just wore out. I think the two days in a row of high millage was a little too much for me. So the rest of the 2 or so miles home I must have stopped to walk 3 times I just had no energy left.

Today is a scheduled running day just 2 miles. Yet it is really hot out so I'll have to see if I make it out if I do it will be closer to sunset.

Miles for the week: 14.5
Miles for the month (assuming a run of 2 miles tonight): 39.5

Running Slow

Ran 3 miles yesterday. The weather was a little cold with a threat of rain in the air. Thankfully I only had a few sprinkles to contend with. I timed my run for the first time in a while. It was slow at 33:40. That being said it was an easy run I was barely out of breath the entire time. I guess that just means I have more in me and should push harder. That doesn't sound like much fun. I rather enjoy a run that doesn't leave me too fatigued. Saturday I am planing a 4.5 mile run longest to date it should be a challenge. I am still on target for a 10k at the end of May.

Noon Run

Jake is going to be out of town the next couple days so I needed to find an alternative plan for running. I considered heading out with the jogging stroller. I talked myself out of that one since I was planning a challenging run and wanted to concentrate on the run not the difficulty of the stroller. So I called my parents to see if they could watch them while I ran. I was hopping for a run around 10 but they were busy until noon. So I headed over to run in the blazing noon time sun. There was a nice breeze and temperature wasn't too much of a factor. It has been 4 months since I have run in their subdivision. It was so encouraging to see such and incredible difference in my ability to run that course. I put in approximately 3 miles throwing some aerobic intervals in the middle of the run. I felt good and handled the hills pretty well. My last time up the big hill I had to keep chanting to myself "press on" to make it to the top. Weather is questionable the next two days but I would like to get in a bike ride and then a run with the jogging stroller. On another note I did some yoga last night and the boys were doing it with me (at least part of the time) it was so adorable.

Feeling Great

Miles this week: 15
Miles this Month: 23
Miles this Year: 135

I had an excellent 4 mile run today. I really felt good for the first time in a long time. I did take one waling break, but it was quick with quick recovery time. I'm looking forward to ramping up my running miles some and looking for some new running courses. I think it was an especially good run because I spent nearly the entire time in prayer. It was a good way to keep my mind focused on something besides the difficult run. It also just seemed to make the time fly by.

Running to Garage Sales

I combined two things I enjoy to do this morning, running and going to garage sales. Whenever I go out on Saturday morning to go to garage sales I always see a bunch of joggers out. I always think I want to be out there going for a run too. Yet if I go running and see garage sale signs I wonder hmmm what deals might I be missing. So today I decided to just combine the two. I took off on my regular route and took a detour as I found a sign. I found about 6 garage sales to go to and ran about 3.5 miles. I didn't find anything to buy though. It felt good getting my run in first thing in the morning before things got more hectic and hotter. I think the 10K might be within my grasp. I'm gonna push for 4 miles tomorrow I'll see how that goes.

Back in the swing of things

Well I made a big milestone last night. I ran a whole 2.5 miles without stopping for a walking break. It doesn't sound like much I know, but I haven't done that for weeks. It was a good run rough but doable.

I'm planning to run another 5k in May. It should be fun. It will be good to keep a race day on my calendar so I stay motivated. I also am considering running a 10k on memorial day. I have a long ways to go from 2.5 miles to 6.2 miles but I think it's doable.

Vacation runs and back to normal

Well due to a nasty cold and getting ready for vacation I did not get a chance to run until I was on Vacation. I only got in two runs while in Moab. Moab had a wonderful bike and walking trail that traversed the city. I just took off running on it not sure where it would take me. It was fun to run with no thought to routes or mileage. I just ran. When I got tired I walked. I took time to run and just enjoy myself. I wish I would have put in a few more runs while there.

Today was my first run in quite a while along my regular route. Man I felt out of it. I only did the 2.5 mile route and I stopped for two walking breaks. I so need to work on just getting my stamina back up. Maybe it's just in my mind I'm so unwilling to push myself.

Race Time

The Race was a blast. There was a group of 8 of us from Liberty who were running. The group of us made it extra fun. So how did I do? Well about as I expected my time was 32:09. I'm happy with that for my first race. I even came in 4th for my age group. I'm looking forward to doing another race soon and improving my time.

Two Days

I got in two runs this week. On Tuesday I ran almost the complete course of the 5k. I wasn't able to run the whole thing due to a soccer game. I ran it in ok time. I think my goal for Sunday will be 31 minutes that might be attainable. I went for a run yesterday and felt great. I haven't felt so good on a run in a long time. It was a good chance to clear my head. I am fighting a little bit of a head cold. Compliments of my two year old. It would figure I've only been sick twice this season both on the weeks I am scheduled to run a race. I won't need to forfeit this race since I am only mildly sick. I have plans to go for a run with my neighbor this evening. I'm not sure If I'm going to be able to or not. We are going to the Fox this evening and I don't know if I'll have time. It depends on our dinner plans I guess. I'm gonna try to talk my husband into dropping the boys off at his moms by himself and then coming back to pick me up so I have a chance to run. Then again if it doesn't stop raining I don't think I'll be doing any running.

Almost Here

I picked up the course map for the 5k today. It is a very flat course. It is a little odd too it isn't all on roads or paths. A part of it goes along the edge of a soccer field at the tree line. I hope it isn't very soggy or muddy. I'm looking forward to giving the path a trial run tomorrow. Hopefully I'll actually be able to run the whole thing. My stamina has definitely been waning as of late.

Someone to Run with

I did 2.5 miles today for a grand total of 4 miles for the week. Kinda Sad but that's ok. I talked to my neighbor on my way back from my run and found out that she's been running too. We made plans to run together on Friday so that's pretty exciting. I think it would be fun to run with someone at least occasionally. Yet I'm not very conversational and I'm sure I'll feel even less conversational while running.

My cardio fitness level has definitely improved dramatically. I am amazed at how quickly I recover my breath after working really hard. I definitely feel fit and strong. Unfortunately running has done very little to help me shed my excess pounds. Sigh, maybe I'm stuck with them for life.

Finally

Finally made it back out to run today. I just did a short 1.5 miles. It was definitely a challenge not easy at all. I'm blaming that partly on the high temperatures. High 70's and sunny is too warm for running in my opinion. I guess it is something I will just have to get used to. I wish I would of headed out this morning while it was cool instead of going to garage sales. While I was out I saw seven joggers. Some looked like real serious runners. One guy had 6 water bottles hooked into a belt around his waist. Other joggers looked like they were suffering through every step like I'm sure I do. When you read about running training plans they talk about days where you do your "easy run". I for one really have no idea what an easy run is. Every one I do is a step after step challenge.

Sore Knee

I shouldn't have done that run on Saturday. My knee was quite sore on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Actually on Saturday night we sat down on the couch to watch some TV after we got home from church. When I got up to go to bed I was practically limping my way there. Sunday morning it was better and by afternoon I felt good but decided pushing it with a run would be foolish. So Jake and I took the bikes out for a ride. It was a delightful bike ride. I hope to ride my bike much this week. Bike riding is just not the same as running. It was way too leisurely and easy I probably had to put out about 1/10th the effort I do when I'm running. So today is a scheduled running day but I'm leery to put that effort on my knee. I don't want to injure it to the point of compromising by ability to take part in the 5k run or worse yet not be able to hike on our vacation. So I think I will rest today. Tomorrow is already a scheduled off day, then Wednesday I'll pick it back up. My millage for last week was 14.5

Quiet Run

Peaceful run in the snow today. The snow is a little annoying though. It didn't seem to matter which direction I was going the snow was always blowing in my eyes. It was so quiet though. I love the sound snow makes as it falls. I almost didn't go running. Me plague some right knee was really hurting me after my run on Thursday. My right knee has been bothersome since my freshman year of college. Actually it had always been one of my excuses not to run. Then I decided how do I really know how well my knee will perform until I test it. It has actually caused me very little problems these last few months which is surprising. Anyway it was hurting on Thursday night and all day Friday. Today it felt better but I still so wanted to push off the run till tomorrow. I was afraid once I started the pushing off the run slope I may never stop. So I went out. Actually my knee felt better running than walking go figure. That was the case for the first couple miles then towards the end of the run I could feel the twinge. I don't really think it is anything serious just some running aches and pains.

A run with Jake

I borrowed Revonda's biking trailer/jogging stroller yesterday. I got it all put together then after dinner Jake and I went for a run together. It pretty much turned out the way I thought it would. Jake not having run at all in the past 4 months and me running 3-5 days a week for four months and Jake was still better than me. Sigh. We start out and he is like go ahead and run at your normal pace I'm like I am. Then he is pushing the jogging stroller for the first mile and he is pushing the pace on me! Then it got to be my turn to push the stroller and oh boy was that rough. I was pretty much embarrassed by how poorly I ran it was only 3 miles and we probably walked about a half of a mile total. Also on the way back I start jogging and my jog was hardly faster than his fast walk. He says it's all about stride length. He also said I had more stamina than him so that is good. I'm looking forward to going out biking maybe we'll go out today.

A little easier

I ran yesterday and it was a lot better than my last two runs. I did four miles and I actually felt good. Not great but good. It was still at the difficult before dinner time, but I changed two things to try to make it easier. First I made sure I was well hydrated before heading out. I wasn't the last couple times. Also I had a few spoon fulls of peanut butter that helped stave off the hunger. I was thinking about trying 4.5 miles on Saturday but I'm not so sure I am up for that yet I might just stick with the 4. Only a little over two weeks till the race it should be fun.

Another Rough One

I ran the same route that I did on Saturday. Again it got the best of me. I think before dinner is a very difficult time for me to run. I just felt so tired and hungry. My legs felt like lead through the whole run. I think I got too accustomed to my regular route. That route has a wonderful steady gentle downhill slope at one mile that goes on for at least a half mile. I think running that easy route has led me to believe I can actually run better and farther than in reality I can. So It is good to challenge myself and change it up more. I am definitely looking forward to a day off of running tomorrow.

Today

Went back to the track to run some pace intervals. It was a little easier this time I was actually able to jog instead of walk between all the intervals but one. I totaled 15 miles for the week. The race is 3 weeks from today.

Rough

Beautiful day today. I actually ran in shorts! Actually it was almost a little to warm for my taste. I think I have become partial to running in the cold. I attempted a 4 miler today but ended up taking 2 walking breaks I just didn't feel into the rhythm.

Yesterday I ran about 2 miles of hills. I kept running the same hill over and over pushing my pace up the hill. There was a funny incident that happened. I was almost to the bottom of the hill getting ready to turn around to run back up. Two teenage boys were part way up the hill and they yelled "We like your butt". Well just after that I got to the bottom of the hill turned around and started coming back up. That totally freaked them out and they ran off into their garage. Sometimes people are just rude. There was a similar incident a while back I was running by a large group of older teenage boys. They yelled out "hey we want your picture" and someone else "hey fatso" or something like that. Sigh. Running by a group of teenage boys can definitely be intimidating and a little nerve wracking. That is all for now.

Feeling Good

I ran 3.5 miles tonight. I actually felt good for the first time since being sick. So I might finally be back up to the level I was at a couple weeks ago. It was still a struggle though, I so wanted to take a walking break at about the 2.5 mile mark. I just had to convince myself to get to the top of the hill I knew I'd feel so much better after a little down hill run.

Registered

I registered today for the 5K race on April 1st. I was very annoyingly 1 day late and had to pay an additional $5 I guess that is just $5 more motivation. So I guess I'm going to do it now. It should be fun I heard the course is flat which will be a good thing. Although I really like the downhill part of the hills.

Ho hum

I ran 3 miles yesterday. Nothing too interesting to note. It was a beautiful day that made it into the lower 60's. Today will be quite a bit cooler. I'm planning on running 3.5 miles today. Jake will be getting home late tonight so my run will be in the cold and dark. At least there is less traffic on the road at that time it makes for a much more peaceful run.

Intervals

I headed out to the local high school track this afternoon. (At least I get some use of all the tax money we pay.) It was my first time to run some pace intervals. The idea is run so many meters at the pace you want to run your 5k in. My goal is a 10 minute pace. So I ran 6 400m at 10 minute pace. Well I was tired. A couple of the laps were closer to 8 minute pace but they all stayed above the 10 minute pace so I was happy with that. That brings my grand total mileage of the week to a grand 5 miles. Next week I have myself scheduled for 18 miles but I think that is going to be way to big of a jump so I'll probably be paring that down.

Back at it!

I finally got back out for a run today after way too long of a hiatus. I went without running for 11 days! Surprisingly I didn't feel too bad on my run today. My stride felt great. I did run slow and I took a walking break but I'm still happy about the 2.5 miles. I'll take them. Tomorrow I'm gonna run 3 miles. The weather should be better tomorrow. Today it was only in the 20's windy and snowing.

Disapointments

I did not run my first 5k yesterday. A 102 fever and sore throat kept me at home. Sigh. I am feeling better now. My fever is finally gone but my sore throat is still killer. The weather was pretty bad yesterday too. It was only in the 40s with rain. So even if I wasn't sick would I have run? I'm not sure. Well there will be another race.

I'm not sure when I will get back out and run again. I want to make sure I am better so I don't make myself worse. So this will set me back a little bit but oh well It is what it is. I'm disappointed all that beautiful weather last week and I only got to run one day due to my husbands schedule and then getting sick. That is all till I run again.

Wet and Cold Feet

I ran three miles today. The weather was beautiful in the mid 50's. The sidewalks were still really wet and there were several snow piles around peoples driveways. My Feet got soaking wet. My good non-cotton socks did a good job wicking the water away from my feet.
I have cold feet in that I am not ready for the race on Saturday. I felt tired and terribly out of breath in my run today. It was quite a struggle for me to continue the full three miles. I'm hopping it was just an off day. My poor performance today doesn't fill me with very positive thoughts about my performance on Saturday.

Another Day Another Run

I did my 3.5 miles today. That brings my weekly miles up to a measly 10.5. I guess it is better than none. The sidewalks were still covered so I was running on the road. I ran a new route which is always fun. It was an out and back route instead of a loop. It was a good run. It is the same as bike route I use.

The race is on Saturday. The weather is suppose to make it up to 66 that day with a chance of showers. It should be a beautiful morning. A little too warm actually. Not much of a frost bite run. I won't be running many miles this week to take it a little easier before the race I think I will run 3 tomorrow 2 on Thursday then the race on Saturday then I'll probably do 3.5 or 4 on Sunday.

Running inside

I went to the O'fallon recreation center for the first time today. I wimped out on running outside and decided to pay $5 to go run inside on a treadmill. As I was clearing the snow off the car, the wind was blowing snow into my face and my hands were freezing I was so thankful to be going somewhere warm to work out.
I liked the recreation center but it sure was busy. It was my first experience running on a treadmill. I didn't care for it too much. I definitely prefer the wide open outdoors. It was nice to see exactly what pace you were running at ect. I did 3 miles on the tread mill then my time was up so I finished up with another mile on the indoor track. I don't care much for the 1/10 mile track. You could get dizzy running on that thing. Then I used some of the weight equipment to work my arms and legs. Finally I finished up by going swimming. I swam a couple laps then I just lounged around in the pool for a while. It is a very nice facility I will have to take the boys some time. Tomorrow I will be back to running outside. The sidewalks will still be covered so I will be running on the road. Then next week 50 degree weather I am looking forward to it.
The race is 1 week away I do not feel ready at all. I am still so slow. I guess It doesn't really matter too much how slow I am. I just don't want to be the very last person to finish.

The Weather and Excuses

I love the snow. Yet I hate that it covers all the sidewalks. My millage will be down for the week. I missed 2 miles on Monday because it was raining. Tuesday was an off day. I missed 3.5 miles on Wednesday. Wednesday was valentines day but Jake and I weren't planning anything special Jake was just picking up some Quizznos on his way home so I didn't have to cook supper. I was actually planning to go out and pay $5 and go run at the YMCA or the O'fallon Spirit center or such. Well my sister called and offered to take the boys and watch them for the entire night. I must say I was momentarily indecisive this was going to mess up my running schedule. Wow what is wrong with me. Then I thought well maybe Jake will want to go with me we could go running together. Well that didn't happen. We had a delightful kid free evening and I didn't go running.

Yesterday I made it out to do a boring 3 miles, six times around the block. I was running on the road since the sidewalks were covered. My pace was very slow it took me about 36 minutes to do the 3 miles. Very very slow and I was tired and it was cold i didn't feel 100% and my leg hurt. It's amazing how many excuses I can come up with not to run or why I ran so poorly. Yesterday i had a lot of reasons not to run. All those excuses I had listed above plus Ethan's B-day party was that night and I had a lot of house cleaning to do and dinner to make for 18 people. Yet I took the time really only for one reason for the race coming up in just a week. I really want to run well. I'm worried after the motivation of the race is over my motivation to run might decrease significantly. Sigh. Tonight I won't get to run we have plans to go out for some recognition ceremony for Jake's patent. So at best I will only log 10.5 miles this week pretty sad.

Rain, Rain Turn to Snow

Well I wasn't able to get my two miles in for today. It has been raining all evening. So that will mess up my schedule some for the coming week. I will have to see how I can rearrange things to try to still fit in my miles for the week. A day like this makes me with I had a treadmill.

I hope it snows a lot! I'm looking forward to taking my kids out to play in the snow tomorrow.

4 Miles!

I did a 4 mile run today I must say I'm very excited to have hit this milestone. I never would have imagined I could be running 4 miles a couple of months ago. I ran a new course that made it exciting new and different. I am looking forward to running that 4 miler again. There were several little hills I kind of enjoy the little hills. Running down a slight decline is such a refresher. After a little run down hill I am ready to conquer the next hill in front of me. My millage for the week 15 miles! I am quite impressed. I never would have thought I would be doing this.

Tired of Running

I ran my three miles today. I wasn't very excited about it. Those first 5-10 minutes of running are always so rough for me. My stride feels awkward I'm out of breath and tired. Then I start to get into a grove and things get better till the last couple hills of my route. I was out there I'm glad I went out there. Yet it is getting harder and harder to encourage myself to continue.

Today was the original date of the race I was going to run. I think if I would of run today I might have just said good bye to running. Since my race is now two weeks away I will press on for two more weeks. I hope I have a much improved disposition by that time.

I am undecided if I will run another 5k at the beginning of April. I'm thinking I will go ahead and register and see how it goes. Maybe with some of my money out there it will encourage me to continue. The race is on April 1st then we will be leaving for our vacation on April 6th. Since our vacation will involve a lot of hiking it would behove me to be in good physical condition.

I would really like to continue running into the beginning half of my next pregnancy. I have read some research that exercise early in pregnancy may play a role in decreasing your risk of pre-eclampsia. I'm afraid that it will be difficult for me to continue once I'm pregnant. What a better excuse not to run than to say Oh I'm pregnant I really shouldn't. I'm hoping exercise may help to decrease that first trimester nausea but I don't think it will do much for that fatigue.

Mind over Body

I had a really hard time getting out the door to go for a run tonight. I was just tired and warm inside and did not want to face going out. I finally got myself out the door at about 7:30. I told myself just go out there and run at least one mile. So I got out there and ran two. It was a slow boring run around the block and I did not feel great but still it felt good to be out there. I got myself out the door. Now if I could just get myself to get up earlier maybe I'd get something done around my house.

It was a quiet run. At 5:00 there are just way to many cars on the road it is noisy and makes the experience less enjoyable. I am looking forward to some runs this weekend in the daylight. It should be a pretty quiet weekend so I should have plenty of time to get my two runs in.

Sore and Tired

Well I did 3.5 miles yesterday. It was a pretty rough run. It was a lot warmer than the day before but windy. I had myself convinced to take a walking break as soon as I got to the 3.1 mile mark. Then I got there and felt better because I had just ran down a hill. So I finished it up running hard at the end. My 3.1 mile time was 32:20 not real great. I was at a little over 20 minutes at the two mile mark so I was on a great pace and then that third mile was just drudgingly slow. I wonder how I can improve this.

I'm glad today is a non running day I can use the break. My left leg still just seems a little off with some pain. I'm trying to figure out why my muscles have been sore lately. I haven't been sore at all since I started running and this week I've been sore. I guess it might have been the time I spent on the stationary bike last week. Today I'm looking forward to doing my yoga "Inhale" and some upper body toning. Inhale is a pretty good fast paced yoga show. It airs on lifetime at 5:00 in the morning. I like the fact that their isn't much emphasis on the breathing focusing on yourself garbage you sometimes get on yoga shows. Nothing until the last 10 minutes which I just skip. It just gives you a really good stretch.

Running in the Snow

I ran a beautiful run in the snow tonight. I had so been looking forward to a chance to run in the snow. Then as the snow was blowing in my eyes I thought maybe this isn't such a great idea after all. I was scheduled to run 2 miles tonight but I did 2.5. I don't know of any good 2 mile loops and I didn't feel like running around the block 4 times. It was a very easy run.

My left leg is giving me some issues some discomfort in the hip and quad muscles and shins. It doesn't bother me when I'm running but when I'm just walking around It really feels like my gait is off. Almost like my left leg is a little longer than my right. I seriously doubt one of my legs grew or shrank so it must be in my mind.

I Made it Against the Wind

I did it the whole 3.5 miles without a walking break! My time was nothing exciting though I was 3 miles at 33:20 and the 3.5 took me 39:15 pretty much the last mile I was really dragging. The wind was incredible. It was definitely the strongest wind I have run against. I am trudging up the last big hill of my run and the wind is just coming at me steadily the whole time. No gusts just a steady strong wind. It was so strong it kept trying to blow my earmuffs off.

I definitely was tempted to stop and take a walking break. After all what difference would it make no one would no. One reason I kept going was so I could write on this blog that I made the whole thing. Silly, motivated by a blog that no one reads but me.

The idea of running is always so exciting to me yet when I am out there trudging up a hill I'm thinking why in the world am I doing this to myself. Yesterday on our way to the wedding which was near forest park I must have seen a half a dozen joggers out. I was so envious wanting to be out there with them disappointed that I hadn't got to run that day. Yet today I looked at the wind and the thermometer and thought "Do I really want to do this". Now that I have done it I'm so excited and looking forward to tomorrows run. What a weird cycle. I just need to continue to battle my flesh and laziness and get out there and press on.

Lost Wallet, Lost Chance to Run

I was all ready to go out for a run. I had already warmed up and stretched. I had put on my ear muffs and hat. Then I started to look for my phone to take with me. The phone was no where to be found. I used Jake's phone to call it and still no luck I couldn't hear it anywhere. Now I was getting concerned my phone was with my wallet and losing my entire wallet would be quite the pain. I often misplace my wallet in my house but never actually lose it. So I spend the next hour and a half trying to track it down. I had it last night a Schnucks and then we went to a friends house. So I know it is one of those two places or gone. I call the friend no answer so I run to Schnucks. They haven't had it turned in there. So I go up to my friends house as I'm getting close I'm praying please let it be sitting on the ground where we parked our car. I pull up and there it was sitting right on the ground in a neighbors yard praise the lord. By the time I got home I had to get ready to go to a wedding and there went the rest of my day. So no running which might have been a good thing it was terribly cold with a very strong wind. But tomorrow, yes tomorrow 3.5 miles no walking breaks that is my goal.

No Treadmill

I was disappointed the hotel we stayed at didn't have a treadmill. So I spent some time on the stationary bike instead. So I haven't been running since Tuesday and won't get a chance to run today. So I shall run tomorrow, 3.5 miles is my plan. I am trying to decide between running a race next Saturday or on the 24th. I think I am going to go for the one on the 24th. I think I would be ready to run next Saturday but not quite as ready as I want to be. I still want to get in some more 3.5 and 4 milers before doing the race.

Cold, Cold and Cold

Well I went running last night but it was cold, about 4 degrees wind chill. I was all ready to head out as soon as Jake got home from work. If he gets home at his regular time I still have about 30 minutes of daylight to run in. Well he ended up getting home about 40 minutes after his regular time. Then it was dark and still cold and dinner was almost ready. I really didn't want to go out. I asked Jake if he thought I should go running. I was hoping he would say Oh no it's awfully cold you shouldn't go out. Instead he encouraged me to go out since I probably wouldn't have the chance the next two days. So out I went. I only ran 1.5 miles. I was cold and hungry so I cut it short.
Today we are headed up to Chicago for a funeral. I'm hoping to get a chance to run on the hotel treadmill either tonight or in the morning. We will have to see, there will be a lot of family obligations so we'll have to see how things work out. If I do get a chance to run it will be my first time running on a treadmill.

It has been a long time

Wow what a long time since I have posted about running. I have now moved my posting location and am ready to keep this updated. I broke the barrier of running for a full thirty minutes a little over a week ago. So I have now run several 3 miles without a walking break. I'm running between a 10 and 11 minute mile pace. I am quite happy with that.

Now about today's run. It was cold. Temperature of 20 wind chill in the single digits. The weather almost kept me away. But I hate saying no to a run on the weekend. It is my only chance to make a daytime run. I attempted 3.5 miles for the first time. I got to about the two mile point and I was looking at two big hills and I was tired so I took a walking break. Then I finished up strong even a little almost sprinting at the end. So my question is can I still log myself as running 3.5 miles even though I walked a minute? I think so, and I shall. So my running total for the week 9.5 miles. Next week should be better I plan on attempting a 4 miler.