for my heart and pixidust....

That is why I run....
I have embraced the fact that I will never break records, except my own and not by much even then! I went 3days without running. Skipped my Sat long run d/t out too late and just plain tired, slept will 1040 sat morning, and E didnt have to work Fri night either....
So Sunday I was to go with a friend about 9ish but Sat also lead to beer, too much junk food and out till 1AM at a club with way too loud music. You should never make promises of phyiscal activity when drinking btw!
So I finally got up this morning....not really wanting to go even yet, but I got online and the Princess web site, purchased my non refundable plane tickets AND reservations to Port Orleans French Quarter for 5 nights at WDW! So....with new motivation, I got dressed and immediately felt ready to go. Something about running tights and shoes makes me feel good and ready to go.
Technically I was to do 4.5 m today but since I skipped my 9 sat....it was nine today. 9m in 2'6" pace 13.59. I did a lot of my skooting today, feet close to ground, leaning forward, you just kind of fall into a natural run. Seems maybe 3days gave my legs time to recover, although they were really tired by the end! Longest run yet. only 4 to add to it for the race!
I am still very excited but having some motivation issues. Its really getting hard doing it all alone. It would be nice to have some running commradary really at this point. The runs get longer, it takes more time, right now 6-7hrs a week is really a lot.
I just have to remember that all this is for my heart, health and a little magic.....for lifetime exercise. It truely is the first thing I have not quit. It has now been 4 months straight and Although I have my moments of UUUGGHHH, I still go and still like it! I love to run....I love to run.....when I run I feel healthy, happy, confident, gliding, light, slim/trim, strong, confident, GOOD......I love to run. I love the high. I love the exhileration. I love to run. Thats my mantra....chant it when I get tired.....It works, even if for a minute.....

Schedule: 9M, 4.5T, 4W, 3Th, 10F.....Vacation to Jacksonville beach S-M!! I had up to 17 miles on long runs before the race but after today of 9 and 2hrs, I really think I am going to rethink my schedule and stop at 15 for long runs. I feel Several weeks of that should make me ready. Lets hope.

Gear: Sent garmin back, usb cable did not work. I was dissapointed but can spend that 200 somewhere else. AND I found runkeeper on my new phone (that I pay enough for) it works very well. I just set it, put it in my bra and check it everyso often. I downloads to computer so I can keep up with it. Cheaper, just a little more inconvienence.

Hydration/nurtrition: been experimenting with gels, chews. So far I hate the gels, they hit my stomach like a ton of bricks, I can actually feel it hit my stomach, then nausea sets in. The chews are more inconvienent by far, the chewing and all, but it does give me something to focus on and do for couple minutes! Doesnt make me sick and I can divy them out when I want them, orange lemon/lime. I think I will carry a small disposable water bottle for the race, I tend to drink a lot and want it when Iwant it. I'll use that in addition to the water stops.

absent....

I have been soooo busy with other things I have not been on here and fear I have lost count of where I am. I have been getting in my runs....last week ended with 5m on Thurs at Biltmore with a friend...that works out awesome. Then ended on Sat am at Moms around her block....UP HILL. Shit, it is way diff when going straight up hill...got only 2.3m instead of 3, but damn, my legs got more work than with flat surface anyway. So, I am supposed to be rested for next (this) week. Started it on Monday. Not sure if it is mental or physical, but Mondays are very very difficult. I even have high hopes and great optimism to start but then....not so much. I did it though, 4.2 in 1.03 (14.7mm) better than expected. Skipped Tues, allergy season just does not mix. Wed, Yes, back at it , feel much better. Did the same 4.2m as Monday in 57" (13.31). I knew I really needed to get my ass in gear and not miss 5 days work out so I set my mind to Thurs AM at gym. that takes us to today.....did core, leg weights and 3.1m in 44.47 (14.34). Considering yesterday afternoon and then weights, that was pretty darn good. I do feel I am walking much less than ever now, every run, even when I'm tired I can pull it from somewhere. It feels very different, like I am getting somewhere. I feel I am losing my mojo and happiness although I continue to run on....need to take time to read this weekend for motivation.

Schedule: 4.25m, 4.25W, 3.1Th with weights/core, Sat 8.5 (ouch).

Gear: Had to send garmin back, would not hook to internet, bad usb (stolen perhaps) off ebay??

Weight: last one was 151.1, last week, not doing anymore, I thought would be better than that for sure. so hard.....

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