run run run....

Today was gggreat! Y is it that can rock it on Sat mornings but suck wind rest of week? Its a true mystery. I actually almost ran full 3m with no walk, I did run most of the way but missed that 15mm by couple min 8m in 2:o2. No breaking any time records but moving. I really thought and felt like it was faster but even at 5m mark I was off by 1", so the uphill next 1.2m took me to the other 2". But it felt good, I felt good. I really did do the postive talk today and remember it was all about the health....it is, all about the health!

Hydration/Nutrition: I did the gummy chews, cranberry/apple. very good, they like gummy bears! at mile 3, 5, 6 and 7. they were 45 cal for 2. couldnt do 4 at time, too much.

Gear:Ordered my Garmin, still not shipped yet....cant tell if he even looked at it yet....need it now!!

Cry cry cry....

I read the last chapter in my Non Runners Marathon Training book and it made me cry. The last excerpt was from one of the authors, also a student, and it recounts her journey during the marathon, the last few miles. It was heart wrenching and great all at the same time. They had closed the race d/t lightening and huge storm coming, and most all runners had finished anyway, they were closing up all stations....the storm came and she trugged on, with police escort. It gives me chillbumps and makes me teary eyed! Please oh please let me finish and not have that horrific story to tell!! I do hope I can recount my story in some sort of detail for the 'universe'. You have been good for me cyber universe, thank you for listening.

never underestimate 30/30

So After my terrible 2 days M and T I decided to try something new. I have been reading on disboards forum about the Galloway method, run/walk method. SO after I tried it at the end of T run I decided to start out with it and see if I could increase my run time starting out slow. So off I go, run 30sec, walk 30sec. Did this for 10", tried to do 45"/3o"w, only could do a few of those. SSHEW, I am not sure if I am just tired, or its hot in the afternoon, but that too kicked my tail. Although I did it, all the way, I was happy to stop. This running and finding your rhythym is much harder than first imagined. Still, I am glad I am going, and glad I am going and going and going. I do feel better about myself.
I also decided my head tapes are completely negative this week, d/t being so tired and lagging....that I needed to re evaluate my purpose and goals. I run because it makes me healthy and feel good, decrease heart risk, loose excess pounds. Too look good, yes, of course, but to be healthy inside mostly, not a reason I would have had 10yrs ago! Got my Lipids back today and VWALOA, looks good, total 208, HDL 72, LDL 119, ratio 1.62, trigl 82. Must keep those awesome numbers as I get ...gulp....older. SO.....I run for health, and weight management and to finally reach a goal! Not for fast time or break any records, but to feel good. And feel good I do! Remember that! I am doing it, I really am doing it, will it take me a little longer than most, us Eh, but I knew that going in.

Hydration/Nutrition: So had first had experience with something that I already knew was true. I did not eat good Wed night, just had protein shake and handful of nuts, did not get to eat anything until lunch, so by then I am starving. I eat my good healthy lunch like a good girl, then it goes sprialing out of control....2 cookies, ok not sot bad. Go run 3.5m, go home w no time to eat, go out and get starving, eat crap, Cheeseburger (however good and yummy) and OR, with extra mayo. Got very nauseated in middle of night. So, Not eating on schedule really plays havoc with my healthy diet. I have absolutly no will power when I am starving. Today back on it, all health.

Weight: Still have not weighed, although I can tell a little body change, just slight but I will take it!

Week one, day one....

Sure feel that way this week! Monday was awful, 4m. Tues was just as bad, 3.5m. Yesterday I went to gym, really wanted to get my 5days in this week. Next week is "down week". M and T I tried my expensive membership to Biltmore House property, did their trails. Thought it would be great because they have mileage for them,, but low and behold, nobody could really tell me where the mileage started, or how the trail went (2ways to pick from). I guess most people on vaca dont really give a shit about mileage. I was pretty pissed though that no one even bothered to find out. So Monday, I got no time, supposed to be 4miles, but whatever it was was prob the longest and hardest 4 since I started. I was so tired, sluggish and hot. I was hoping that earlier run (10) would yield to better, not. So Tues I decided to do the Lagoon trail, lil paved trail that leads to House. I was feelin so goood when I left work, all light and airy, ready to run! I was great right up until I picked up my legs. Shit. Just like M. What up!?? i ask the universe, WTF. So I kept going, as any good runner would, 2/1 for first 1.75 (turn spot) then 3/1 for 2, then sheeet, walked for like 5, then 30sec/30sec to finish. I acutally finished 3.5 in 49.27 pace 14.07. I was so sure that was a mistake and the mileage had to be wrong that I drove along the path, glad the rd when right along with it, and it really was right at 3.5. So not really sure if my 2/1 was faster than I thought, which certainly would explain the completely out of breath for 2" at time! Does make me feel a little better.
So when I got done I really had to dig deep and remember that I am doing something. More than I was doing and more than a lot of people. I am excited that I can do anything! Just pushes me to push past the fatigue and still make my goal. I swear though, If this happens on race day, just shoot me! I have attributed afternoon lag and heat as part of the culprit here.....
So, yesterday, I went to gym. Determinded to get my 5days in this week, (only 4 for past 2 weeks, been skippin my CT day for no good reason really). Did leg weights and SWAM! I do forget how much I love the water until I get in. Its the prep for it I hate, its just so.....wet and annoying when you get out, but man while I'm in I just love it! So....I have already psyched myself for the Danskin Tri at Disney in May! well, that is my thought. As much as I love to run, I know my joints need protection and something else to do,,,,,I am getting no younger! So that I think will be my next adventure. BUT, lets get through this beautiful 13.1m run first!

Hydration/Nutrition: finally got those gel packs and some chews and some beans. Got like 8 packs, all different styles and flavors to try. I figure with 8m, it will take me 2hrs, I will need something.

Schedule: M4 done, T3.5 done, Wct done (yeah), Th3.5....for today.....will do.

Weight: havent but first week I might see a SLIGHT change in body. E told me she would tell me when I look like I might be below 149....so I'll wait

"Just Decided"

A good friend of mine posted on Facebook last night that she is going run a 1/2 marathon THIS morning! How is that possible? you decide the night before to run 13.1miles? I have been training for 8 months ( I added it up: Jan to May, then July to Sept, we are ignoring the 2months in between, its total of 8, I'll take that). OKOK she is a professor of exercise physiology and works out and runs like a banchy, but damn. Alright, Im just jealous!

So for rest of week 10: It went pretty smooth, I did my time and my miles on TM. I can always make myself feel better on TM, I rock it pretty good. Did some more speed work on Wed and Thurs did my CE (core eliptical machine that really works the legs and cardio and core) and ran too. Today was pretty good, first 7m in 1hr 42" pace 14.57. Hey, as long as I'm below 15 Im good! I was pretty tired today, it was hard for miles 3-6, 7 not so bad. I'm like a horse headed for the barn....I pick it up when I know its in sight! My legs were pretty tired, but I have been working them pretty hard too and worked 8.5 hrs staining my deck yesterday!!. Cardio only a problem coming up the hill.

I hit a surreal moment, realizing I really was at 7 miles! Like, I really am going to be able to do this! I really enjoy it, even the agonizing moments. My goal this week is to do Monday AM and see if that helps me pick up the pace, waiting until later does not work.

I love that I am able to focus on the run: on form, occ I will go the alphabet game and pod for couple songs. It takes most on my energy to focus on form, which I might be tweeking somewhat, tucking my ass in but leaving the rest alone.

Somebody said it looked like I was reporportioning, and could I see any muscle? Well, no I said, I have to get rid of the layer of fat first!

Gear:New FILA work tights, capri length. Not so much, they are not too tight so they slide and just end up with a low crotch. I hope to use them for layering when gets colder---dread.

Schedule: Week 11: M4, T3.5, Wct, Th3.5, Sat8=19. No change during week, added 1m to Sat.

Weight: Have not weighed but it is the first week I might be able to tell a smudge diff in my clothes

Wind in my hair....

I tell you what, this exercise thing is hit or miss for sure. I did Great on Sat., well great because I showed up, felt good and did it. All 6.5 miles. And I must say, it was a lot. Time not so great, 6.5m in 1.38, pace 15.07. I felt faster than that. Anyway, it was good run, and I do like the idea of having someone out there w me and the fact we do not have to run together. I continue to focus on the run while running, like how my legs feel, stride, form etc. helps it go along smoothly. Occ I will resort to the alphabet game; its amazing the words and where my mind takes me when I do this, like D for Dumbo flying elephant.....welllll cant you just see it? Gliding through the air? You get the picture! I enjoy that when I get a lil tired.
All the rest of the day and Sunday though I was really sore, had to pop Ibuprophen more than usual. So now we skip to Monday.....ugggg. I wish I could make myself get up and go early, its a long run because I'm off Mondays but I cant seem to get the same enthusiasm for Monday like Sat. Maybe thats what I should do? Treat it like Sat! Up and atem early! Cause time I get out there (2pm) its hot and im cranky and I DO NOT do well. 4m 1.05. I am not calculating pace cause what is the point. I knew it would be treetrunk leg day so I took it slow. I did, however, manage to pick up the pace for some small speed work when I did run so I was not a total waste. At one point I was in the woods and I picked it up and ran like a kid! It was really freeing, felt like running for running was just....fun. I really want to make this a lifestyle change, to exercise 4-5days a week, not just to get to the race. Although I still am looking forward to seeing Mickey and friends! That helps me get through too.

Nutrition/Hydration: must go find sports beans this week. 7m on Sat...need fuel. I did pop some raisins 2x on the 6.5, that was good but not sure it was enough carbs for 7 m.

Schedule: Week 10: M4 (done), T3.5, Wct, Th3.5, Sat7= 18. One mile up from last week.
Week9: Th could not muster to move my legs in running motion, ended up doing 45"core and strength training hard on legs and 15" on core eliptical. I feel it equalled the 3.5m I was supposed to do.

Weight: 153, we are seriously working on this.

Unleashing my inner athlete

I am really loving running! I am finding all kinds of people who also love to run! Im not sure what it is about it but I dont mind going to do it! I think I have found something that I really may actually stick to! Now, I loath the thoughts of crosstraining, but I do it because I know its good for me, but not often and not for long. Try to get my core workouts in at least weekly and I know that is not enough. I have hit a certain stride where I feel I really will make my goal of the Princess 1/2! My runs this week have been really good.....T. Speed work on mill, increased my pace to 13.77 overall. Did 4.6x2 4.9x2 4.6x2 for 3, then increased the 4.9 to 5.0. Was able to stay at 4.3 most of rest of time, with some rest stops though. W. Carrier for 3 at 43.18! 14.93mm. I know I am still no speed demon but it is faster for ME!

The only thing is....I cant get both my legs and heart functioning at optimal at the same time! Either my legs are tired or my heart and lungs are about to explode!

Schedule: Week 9 T4, W3, Th3.5, Sa6.5 T and W Check.

Weight: Still needs work. Gained 3 lbs, 156. This is getting scary for sure. I have got to change my eating. Portion control for sure.

Ready!

I have been absent this week only d/t being busy.....and forgetting my computer at home. I have done it, rocked the 16miles planned! Today ended the week great! 6am 6m in 1.27. That is 14.5mm! Improvement....thats all I ask for! Today was first time I ran with a friend too and I must say I was nervous....she is 22, athlethic and legs to my neck. I went well though, she went ahead of me when she needed to and waited occ. I did not feel like I was holding her back, It didn't hurt she had her dog to keep up with and a planned hike right after run too! I hope we can continue our Sat runs together, it kept me moving. I can say overall I kept moving on my own quit well today. My legs got a lil tired toward the last 1.5 (ran the whole thing!) but by cardio did not hinder me much. What does this say? I need to pick up the speed? Maybe. The time goes surprisingly fast, I use pod very little, I say associated with my legs and form, and truge on. I am truely liking this running.

Gear: still using water bottle, works good, but may look for smaller version. Still need to find the beans to try too since sat runs getting longer. Did have to cut the insole of my shoe for ole ms bunnion. I was putting pressure on the toe and causing blister on outside.

Schedule: M4, T3, Wct?, Th3.5, Sat 6.5=17

Weight: still no change in clothes. I have vowed not to weight until I can tell diff. You would think 16m and I could pull out one lb...not