CRAZY Busy!!!

Wow!  It has been a CRAZY busy couple of weeks, but, surprisingly, my training has stayed on track.  I was able to get in an icy, windy 9 mile run last Saturday and plan to get up to double digits this weekend!  I was supposed to have a 5 mile run tonight but we are getting pounded by a snow storm.  We even got sent home from work this afternoon to work from our homes.  We'll just reschedule it for tomorrow.

I have been trying to decide on a 2013 fitness goal.  I have seen a lot of the the "1000 mile challenges."  I ran about 600 miles this year and while I plan to do more in 2013, I'm not sure if 1000 is do-able for me yet.

I used a link called Athlinks to track my races and noticed that I ran 8 races this year.  Since I'm already signed up for 3 in 2013 (the first one on New Year's Day) and a virtual race (to benefit Sandy Hook Elementary) I have decided that my fitness goal will be to run 13 races in 2013.

Of course, I have the never ending battle of the bulge to work on as well but I am trying really hard not to obsess about the weight so I am not making a resolution based on the scale!

What fitness goals have you set for 2013?

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Well, maybe for some.  I am just on the brink of starting to become overwhelmed.  I am trying to take it one step at a time but in addition to the normal holiday craziness, add in my daughter's bridal shower - on December 23rd!  What were we THINKING?!?!?

Ok.  Back to the training - which, by the way, is actually helping me with the potential stress!  The training is going well. I bounced back pretty good this week after having such a horrible cold the week before.  Monday's two mile run was painful but I got in some good core work on Tuesday, another 2 mile run on Wednesday, core Thursday morning and a 5 mile run Thursday night.  Core on Friday and a really good 8 mile run yesterday.  The weather was incredible this week for being almost the middle of December.  Yesterday morning it was 50 degrees during our run and we got to see a small "herd" of 5 deer near the towpath.  They were really beautiful.

So, I hope that this week goes well and that I can continue on a good training routine even with all the parties and other activities approaching.  I'll need it now, more than ever, to work out the stress and work off the extra pounds from all of the food!!!

How do you schedule your training runs during the holidays?

I'm so glad this week is OVER!

Well, it happened.  I had been battling a cold for about 2 weeks and successfully warding it off with vitamin C and ColdEze lozenges but this week, everyone at work got sick - including me.

The week started off ok.  I got my normal 2 mile run in on Monday, core workout on Tuesday, 2 miles on Wednesday but Wednesday night - it hit.  In a matter of minutes, after dinner Wednesday night, my head started filling up with snot.  I knew it was too late for more ColdEze or vitamin C.  When I woke up Thursday morning - I was sick.

I tried to muscle through.  I did a really half a$$ed core workout.  Amanda and I had a 5 miler planned for after work.  I started it but only made it two miles before the pressure behind my right eye made it impossible to go any further.  I still tried a half a$$ed core workout on Friday but it was pathetic.

Amanda and I were supposed to go 8 miles on Saturday.  Knowing how clogged my head still felt, we skipped the run and went Outlet Mall Christmas shopping instead.  I'm sure I got in a couple of miles worth of walking but it's just not the same.

My husband and I did our community's Candlelight  Walk tonight.  It is a couple of miles of walking to all the churches and some historic homes in the community where they sing carols at each location and have cookies and beverages.  At least I stayed a little active over the weekend.

I'm starting to feel a little better so I am planning for my regular two mile run in the morning and I HOPE that I can get back on my training track this week and I hope I didn't lose too much progress.

How do you stay active and continue training when you're sick?

Thanksgiving Weekend

It's all coming to a close.  We had a wonderful weekend with friends and family.  Both kids and their significant others were here at various times throughout.  We started with the arrival of my daughter and her fiance early Thursday morning.  Just in time to run a 5K Turkey Trot.  My daughter is a fantastic pacer and paced me to a 5K PR of 28:51! 

We arrived home to start with the obnoxious amount of eating and drinking.  We had breakfast pizza with mimosas and Bloody Marys. 

After breakfast, we began preparing our Thanksgiving feast.  It was an intimate crowd - just my husband and I.  My daughter and her fiance and my parents.  We made up by eating enough for an army!

Friday was spent with an early 8 mile run and some errands.  My son and his girlfriend arrived late Friday night and while I went to bed early, everyone stayed up partying most of the night! 

The reason for my early bedtime Friday night was so that I could get up bright and early on Saturday morning and venture out, along with my mom, to our favorite local sport's bar where we claimed seats for everyone for the Ohio State - Michigan game.  We all celebrated their win!

Today was spent cooking lunch for my son and his girlfriend - they requested meatloaf - and cooking a turkey stock with the leftover turkey carcass.  I made about 100 gallons so we will be eating turkey noodle soup for many months to come!

Tomorrow, reality begins again.  A short two mile run in the morning and then a FIRM resolve to get back on the "decent eating" bandwagon.  Of course, that will only last for a couple of weeks before the next holiday arrives and the eating reaches obnoxious levels again.

What do you do to keep your appetite in check during the holiday season?

Conference Week - I Survived!

I mostly survived Conference Week.  I got in two short 2 mile treadmill workouts so that was good since I wasn't sure I would get in any workouts!  My diet was what suffered the most.  I didn't have my green smoothies and instead, had a plethora of some of the fattiest foods known to man at my beck and call.  Bacon for breakfast every morning was heavenly on the taste buds but devilish on my abs. 

I didn't even improve when I got home.  I had pizza for dinner Friday night, bar food and beer Saturday and today was our annual Turkey Bowl with some Fantasy Football friends:  chili, buffalo chicken dip, turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy.  I made an attempt at healthy by eating the roasted asparagus but then washed it all down with some Bud Light.

I'm going to make an attempt to get back on track the first half of this week but I know it will all be blown again starting Thursday.  I'm going to try not to stress about it.  I'm just going to keep working out and hope for the best.  I can start the diet all over again in January!

I did have a good 7.5 mile run yesterday.  It was 30 degrees starting out but the sun was shining brightly (after it actually rose above the horizon - we went out at 7:30am) and the air was invigorating.  I was grumpy and complaining about it but when we were done at 9am and most people weren't even out of bed yet - it felt so good!

How do you keep your diet in check when you are away from home?  Or over the Holidays?  I need some good advice!!!

Conference Week

It's been a while since I've posted.  I'm sure my legions of fans are missing me - NOT!!!

Training is going along as scheduled.  I've had two 7 mile runs so far.  The second one was a 20 second faster pace than the first one!  I hope to see THAT keep improving!!!

My diet is going about the same as usual.  I have been diligent about my green smoothies every day but I do slip a bit - perhaps with a salted caramel mocha frappachino last week and maybe with a peanut butter cookie or two this week...

Tomorrow starts 4 days of our semi-annual conference that we conduct for my job.  It means crappy eating, standing on my feet all day and no place to run it off other than a treadmill.  The conference is in a bad part of Cleveland.  Even though the facilities are amazing, there is no place to run outside and no time to get in a good "medium" run during the week.  I got a good two miler in this morning and will do abs tomorrow morning.  The best I can hope for is two days on the treadmill and anther ab workout in the hotel room.  I'll have to do the best I can to watch my diet and then stay back at 7 miles for my "long" run on Saturday. 

I know we have worked plenty of time into our training schedule so I'm not going to stress about it too much - there's just simply, nothing I can do about it!  I am really looking forward to the kids being home over Thanksgiving.  The conference and the holiday are going to make these next couple of weeks crazy busy!

How do you run/workout during weeks when circumstances make it next to impossible?

Will the Sun Ever Come Out?

I should know better.  Probably not until April.  Northeast Ohio averages 66 days of sun per year.  We were really spoiled this summer by so many sunny days.  I guess we're making up for it now!  It's been 10 days since we've seen the sun and it even snowed a bit this morning!

I got a really good 7 mile run in on Saturday.  Then I ruined my run by eating football food and drinking beer.  But I am still drinking my green smoothies every day.  Recently, I have even started adding a scoop of protein powder!

Last week, we all got the base for our costumes.  Target had their costumes half off so we were able to get these cute tank/tutu one piece outfits for $10!  I'm hoping my mom can add the white peplum things that are on Cinderella's skirt and add some puffy white sleeves.   I think I will like this better than just a tutu because I won't have to worry about it fitting in the waist.  Just slip it on!  I think I might have trouble with my Spibelt but I will try to figure something out for fuel and my phone. 

I got a quick 2 mile run in this morning.  Tomorrow is cross training, Wednesday is a 5 miler with Amanda (if her shins are feeling better) Thursday is cross train.  Friday should be a 2 miler and another 7 miler on Saturday!  Training is ticking by!

Whatta Week!

After the Making Strides walk on Sunday, I started feeling a cold coming on.  I know the experts say that being wet and cold doesn't make you sick but I don't believe a word of it!  I got a wet and cold 2 mile run in on Monday morning and then Hurricane/Super Storm Sandy hit us Monday night.  Luckily, Tuesday was already planned to be an off day.  That's when I started feeling sick.

Amanda and I were thinking about going to Zumba on Tuesday night but our boss gave us tickets to the Cavaliers home opener so we went up to Cleveland for the ball game.  Wednesday morning was bad news.  I got up to do a 2 mile run but my sinuses were stuffed and I was feeling very achy.  When I stepped outside, it was STILL windy, raining and cold and I just couldn't face it.  It was the first run I have blown off in months.  I did a few half hearted core exercises (read:  a couple of planks) and crawled off to work.  After a day of Cold Ease and vitamin C lozenges, I came home and fell asleep on the couch at 6:15.  I finally crawled up to bed at about 8:30 but all that sleep made me feel MUCH better today!



Amanda and I had a 5 mile run planned for this evening.  We ran at the park on their lit track since it is too dark in the evenings now to get in a medium length run at the canal tow path.  The rain cleared up and just before dusk, we even saw a quick glimpse of, what we thought might be the sun!  The first time in a week!  Running on the track isn't as bad as I thought.  It's 1.1 miles in length so it's not just a short track.  Amanda's shins were bothering her so I ran on ahead and went 4.3 miles.  Amanda was waiting for me so I cut my run just a little short.  Saturday, I am doing a 7 miler.  I haven't run that distance since July!  I'll be on my own so I'm planning to get out as early as possible to get out and get done!

Making Strides

I was another wet and cold day today.  More rain than yesterday.  Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't have cared.  Sunday is my off day so I would have just curled up under a blanket and watched football all day. 

But, today, a group of us from work waked the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in my town.  A co-worker was recently diagnosed and it really seemed to hit me all of a sudden, how terrible this disease is and how many lives it affects.  I had a slight scare about a year and a half ago when I found a lump in one of my breasts.  I was scared to death.  My lump was only a cyst but when my co-worker got diagnosed, I suddenly realized how easily it could have been me.

So, we walked today.  In the rain and in the cold and in support of everyone whose life has ever been touched by breast cancer and in the hope that, someday, a cure can be found!

Cold and Wet!

It's really Fall.  Amanda and I did a 6 mile run this morning.  It was 40 degrees with a light rain.  YUCK!  We started off slow but the chill and damp in the air just made me want to be done so I sped up quite a bit on the back part of the "out and back!"

My diet is in check today, so far, but the Buckeyes play at 5:30 tonight and we'll be headed for the bar shortly before that.  Time to blow my diet on football food and beer!  I've got myself talked into a Buffalo Chicken Salad for tonight.  Not the healthiest thing I could eat but at least there are lots of veggies!  The Calorie Killer is the beer but it's only one day a week.  If I deny myself too much - I'll never be successful!  But training is in full gear and next week's run gets pumped up to 7 miles so I'll burn a few extra calories!

Afternoon Runs

I know I've said it before:  Afternoon runs suck!

We did a slow, easy run/walk this afternoon.  My friend, Amanda and I went out for a 5 mile run but Amanda was traveling for work this week.  We both do the same job so I know first hand how badly traveling messes with your body!  She was feeling stiff and sore so we just took it easy.  We're in a really good place for our Princess Half Marathon training right now so no pressure!  I do think I'll do a two mile run the morning since we took it easy tonight.

My next race, however, is a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.  I'm really excited to be running this with my daughter.  She's a great pacer and has promised to get me to my lofty goal of sub 30:00.  It's an inaugural run for our neighboring town but since it's a 5k and just about 5 miles from my house, it should be a really fun, easy race!

These Shoes are Made for Running!

I got my new shoes!  They are Nike Zoom Structure +16.  I almost bought another pair of Brooks Adrenaline.  I have really liked those shoes and liked the new ones when I tried them on today.  But, I'm tempted to try something different and these came highly recommended.  I will try them out tomorrow afternoon on my 5 mile run!

Speaking of running, the bug is crawling into my blood deeper and deeper.  I went for a 2 mile run this morning and it was drizzly and misty and I DIDN'T HATE IT!   I usually can't even stomach the thought of running in the rain but I did it and survived.  I think it made me feel bad ass to be out in the rain (even though it really was only a drizzle)!

The diet is coming along.  I did eat a little pasta last night and I still haven't shed a pound but I am trying really hard to ignore the numbers on the scale and go with how I feel.  Every morning, after I finish my green smoothie, I imagine I look like Popeye after he eats his spinach.  I picture all the strength building in all my muscles (imagery must be worth SOMETHING!).

Another bit of excitement is that my daughter and I are going to run an inaugural Turkey Trot in our area on Thanksgiving morning.  I'm excited to run with her but scared!  I told her that my lofty goal is to run the 5K sub 30:00.  She said she'd be sure that I get 28:00.  I told her that would make me dead!  We'll see.  I am working on the speed and the Turkey Trot is still a month away!

Hoping to finish out the week strong with some abs in the morning, 5-6 miles tomorrow afternoon, abs or 30 Day Shred on Friday and a good 6-7 mile run on Saturday.  I'll let you know how it goes!

So Far So Good

This week is going well, so far.  I ran for two miles yesterday and did Jillian Michael's 6 Week Abs (level 1) today.  I have still been drinking my green smoothies and I should have enough ingredients to be able to make one every day for the rest of the week.

I am just finishing my 10th month of "serious" running.  So, tomorrow, I'm off to Second Sole to see about getting a new pair of running shoes.  I dread spending the money but my Brooks Adrenaline have just about 500 miles on them (can you BELIEVE I average running 50 miles per month?) and they have seen better days.  This past Saturday was our first "official" training run for the Disney Princess Half Marathon and I think it's time for some new shoes before I suffer some kind of injury!  I'll let you know the verdict when I get home from the store tomorrow!

Diet

This week has been good for exercise so far:

Monday - 2 mile run
Tuesday - 30 day Shred
Wednesday - 2 mile run
Thursday - 6 Pack Abs

I'm planning a 5 or 6 mile run tonight after work.

Next up is working on my diet.  Since I starting running "for real" in January, I haven't lost even 5 pounds.  Now, my body has toned CONSIDERABLY and I know muscle weighs more than fat but I still have a few fat blobuoles that I would still like to lose.  I started drinking Green Monster smoothies this week to try to get some veggies and fruits into my diet.  More on what I think about it in my next post!

Diet Part Two

Ok...  Where was I when I was so rudely interrupted by my job?  Talking about my week and my new diet!

So, I finished up my week pretty strong.  I got in my 5 mile run on Thursday night and a 6 mile run yesterday.  Friday was supposed to be abs again but I wimped out.  After the first 5 minutes, I was NOT feeling it so I turned off the DVD and just did some planks, crunches and stretching.  At least I did SOMETHING!

On to my diet - or lack there of.  I started taking this running thing seriously in January of this year when I started training for my first half marathon.  In the course of almost 11 months, I have barely lost 5 pounds!  Now, I am really focused on my time.  I'm not going to win any medals anytime soon (unless there are only 2 people in my age group - that happened once!) but I still want to be stronger and faster.  I think part of my struggle is my poor eating habits.  So, this past Tuesday, I am turning over a new leaf (pun intended) and drinking a green smoothie every morning!  You might be asking yourself, "Self, what in the world is a green smoothie?"  It's a smoothie made mostly of greens!  In my case, baby spinach.  My recipe this week has been as follows:

About 1/2 cup of milk
1 tablespoon ground flax seed
A blender full of spinach
About 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
About 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 banana

Blend it all up and there you have it!  I learned pretty quick that I like them better cold so I have been taking them to work along with my other food and putting them in the refrigerator.  I eat a serving of yogurt with Muesli and then get my smoothie.  This spaces out my food all morning and gives the smoothie time to get cold.

The rest of the day, I have been eating a protein bar, humus with whole wheat pita and some vegetable sticks (these are from Sam's Club and I have some from Trader Joes - I'm sure they are not the healthiest but they satisfy my need for a crunch without being horrible!)  A couple of days, I had another banana in the afternoon.

The weekends area still horrible.  We live in the Midwest.  Football is our religion and football food is NOT healthy!  I'm trying to to completely deny myself or I will be miserable.  Just trying to watch portion size and trying not to overindulge in the worst offenders.

I haven't noticed any huge improvement in the way I feel or in my performance yet.  But I'm making an effort to modify my diet and try to get stronger and faster at running!

 

I AM on Track!

I've been away from my blog this week but I DID get back to my "normal" running routine!  A 2 mile run on Monday morning, Jillian Michael's abs Tuesday morning, Abs again on Wednesday morning, 5 mile run Wednesday afternoon, 30 day shred on Thursday morning, 2 mile run Friday morning and 6 miles yesterday morning.

It's clear that Fall is here.  It was 29 degrees when I went out to run at 7:30am on Saturday and barely light.  I'm one of the strange ones that actually likes running in the cold.  I ALWAYS over dress and end up being too warm but the air is invigorating!  Saturday was a good run.  A little slower pace than I would have liked but the morning was crisp with the sun coming up.  Steam was rising from the river/canal and I saw 3 deer during my run. 

After Saturday's run, we made a run for the border - AKA we went to visit our son at The University of Cincinnati.  The day turned out to be beautiful and WARM!  We went to the football game at 7pm and it was STILL 73 degrees outside! 

Looking forward to another good week of workouts.  I am headed for Sam's Club tomorrow for some odds and ends - namely dog food and protein bars - but I also plan to stock up on baby spinach, bananas and berries.  I'm going to experiment with Green Monster smoothies this week.  Wish me luck!

Getting Back on Track

After two weeks of back to back trips to Phoenix and Chicago, it's time to get this exercise routine back on track.  I had one run in Phoenix and two runs in Chicago.  I only got in one ab/core workout though. 

I'm, a little bit, relieved by the fact that while training on the road, (two days in Phoenix and 4 days in Chicago) I am on my feet all day as opposed to when I am at my office and I'm sitting on my a$$ all day.  But, the food....

I was shocked that I only gained a pound or two.  I tried to keep the unhealthy stuff to a minimum but it's hard when you're eating out at restaurants every day for every meal!  Luckily, in Phoenix, my hotel was right next to a Seasons 52.  They have wonderful food and it is all very low in calories!  Chicago was another story.  Like the Mac Piggy (mac and cheese with pancetta, black forest ham, bacon and chorizo!).

I got in a six mile run this morning (notice, I didn't say good).  My IT band in my left leg is REALLY acting up and I think it actually may have become irritated by wearing heels and being on my feet so much during the past week.  Hopefully, with some Aleve and getting back to a regular running/exercise routine, it will correct itself!

It's time to head off to the bar to wreck my diet some more with beer and football.  Maybe I should order the fried mac and cheese wedges while I'm at it!  I ran this morning, right?

Running into the Sun...

But there wasn't any sun.

I got one short, 2 mile run in while I was in Phoenix but it was ugly!  The hotel gave me a "running map" of the area which mapped out a 4 mile course.  I knew I wouldn't have time to do 4 miles in the morning so I just planned to run one mile out and one mile back.  Against my better judgement, I went out before sunrise.  (Note to self - always listen to your better judgement!)  About 1/2 of the mile was down a long road/driveway which lead to the Arizona Biltmore.  There were no streetlights but where the sidewalk ended, a lighted trail picked up on the other side of the road.  After my turn around, on the way back as I was crossing the road from the trail to the sidewalk, a speed bump sprung up out of the dark.  I tripped over it and fell head over heels in the middle of the road. 

My daughter was hoping someone saw me but luckily it was dark.  I got my wits back about me, realized I wasn't injured other than being very scraped up, and ran back to the hotel praying that no one saw my bleeding self running down the road and into the lobby of the hotel. 

Luckily, I'm fine.  Just sore and scabby.  I did a good two mile run this morning in my own, familiar neighborhood and am looking forward to getting in a couple runs next week in Chicago!

Runner's Bloghop

I'm new to both running and blogging but the whole running/blogging community is SO SUPPORTIVE that I'm trying, yet another, new thing - a Bloghop!  Thanks for letting me join!

Nicely Done!

 Remember my lofty goal to run my 10k race today in 63 minutes?  I did it!  No.  I did BETTER than it!  10 m/m!  I am SO EXCITED!!! 

This next two weeks is going to be Hell on my workout schedule.  I have back to back training trips.  I leave in the morning for a week in Phoenix, get home late Thursday night, work Friday here in town and then leave Saturday morning for a week in Chicago.  I have been to Chicago many times and am really looking forward to being able to run on the Lakefront Trail again.  So beautiful to run while seeing the Chicago skyline!  But, Phoenix...   I've never been there so I'm super excited about that but I'm a little nervous about trying to fit in a run.  The HEAT and the unfamiliar area...  Well...  Here's hoping for the best!

Lofty Goal

I've been on a pretty good roll for training for nothing!  I'm glad to be doing a 10K race on Sunday.  My goal time is 63 minutes but as you can see from last night's 64 minute 6 mile run - it's a lofty goal.  I just want something to shoot for and who knows - maybe the conditions and adrenaline will combine  and maybe I can make it!

If you look close on the image, you can see my little red dot at the 4/75 mile mark where I had to stop to go to the bathroom!  That happens a LOT on my afternoons.  That's one reason why I HATE running in the afternoon!  Hopefully, THAT doesn't happen on Sunday!

Lazy Weekend!

Well, it started out good.  Had a wonderful run with my friend, Amanda.  It was bright and sunny and the air was cool.  We run along the canal and it was beautiful to see the steam rising from the water as the sun started to warm the air.  One of my favorite kinds of mornings to run and we had a good time to show for it!

After that - the weekend became a lazy football fest!  It was clambake weekend at our favorite restaurant/bar so I filled up on clams and lobster and watched football and napped the rest of the weekend!  I guess you need one of those every now and then!

One thing I did do while I was laying around was sign up for a 10k taking place in our town on Sunday.  It's an "out and back" and I am hoping for nice weather and a PR!  I will only get one good run in this week - tomorrow - so I hope I'm prepared!

Breaking 1000

Amanda and I got in a workout at the Monument last night.  5 times up and down the steps and around the "oval" for a total of 1080 steps and 1 1/4 mile run.  I did two more miles this morning.  Looking forward to a "medium" run on Saturday of 6 or 7 miles. 

Rain

I have been working to get a 6, 7 or 8 mile run in on Saturday mornings.  I had been doing really well until our Labor Day mini vacation and now this week.  It was raining on Saturday morning.  And not just drizzling but RAINING.  I HATE to run in the rain.  I waited for awhile for it to clear up.  The weather said the rain would stop around noon.  Our family has a tradition of watching the Ohio State Buckeye's games at a local bar/restaurant and the game was at noon on Saturday.  Since I'm not officially in training yet for the Princess Half, I blew off my run in favor of beer, bar food and Buckeyes.

So, typically Monday's would be a two mile run but since I didn't run on Saturday, Amanda and I ran 4 miles last night.  Not really far enough to make up for the 6 or 7 mile run that I missed but I'll get it back on track this week!

Fastest 5 mile

I've continued to work on my speed on my short and medium runs.  Last night, I had my fastest ever 5 mile run.  I'm not sure how long of a distance that I can keep up that same pace but I will keep working on it and see how it goes! 

Not Much Running

So, as usual (and like the title says), I'm running behind in my training.  I have plenty of time.  I'm not registered for a race until February but I was really feeling good with my "medium" runs of 6, 7 and 8 miles on the weekends.  I knew it would be tough getting some running in during our jaunt to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail this weekend.  I managed to get in a 4 mile run Sunday morning.  I thought there was a bike trail right next to our hotel but after a mile, it ended and I couldn't figure out where it continued!  So, I circled around and ran through town.  I didn't want to get too lost.  I wanted to go 5 miles but I stopped after 4.  Hubby and I did walk for about another mile after that though.  The rest of the weekend was a lot of car riding but it was worth it.  The scenery was magnificent.   We're already talking about how soon we can go back again!

Hopefully, this week will be better for running.  I'm tentatively planning a 2 mile run in the morning, 5 or 6 Wednesday evening, 2 on Friday morning and 6 or 7 on Saturday.  Hopefully, the weather and rest of life will cooperate!

Step in Time

We went down to the Monument to run the dreaded steps again tonight.  We made it 4 times (which is 832 steps - if you're counting) and 4 times around the 1/4 mile loop.  The steps are a KILLER cross training workout.  It doesn't take long to do but every muscle in your body KNOWS you just worked out!

I'm hoping to make this a regular workout.   I'd like to get in a "steps" session at least a couple times per month.

And...  some of the best news...  we have all our ADR's for our dinners during Princess Half Marathon week!  Including, the most coveted Be Our Guest reservations for the Monday after the race.  Now...  all we need is for Disney to ante up with free dining.  We can only afford the Quick Service plan so if there is no free dining, all our wonderful dining reservations will get cancelled :-(

Come on Disney!

Just Keep Running...

Yesterday's run was just "ok."  However, I was excited to see at the end that I JUST went over the 300 mile mark and "leveled up" on Nike +!  I started using Nike + just after starting training for the 1/2 marathon that I ran in June.  I started training in January and probably started using Nike + in February.  I don't use it on my short, early morning, two mile runs so I'd say I have, at least, 50-75 more miles than the app shows.

Since I don't run another race until February, I just feel like I need to keep on, keeping on to stay in shape and keep the pounds off.  I have a super busy week ahead and we're headed out of town for Labor Day weekend so my mileage will definitely suffer this week but I have plenty of time to catch back up! 

Ice Cream for Dinner

As I mentioned before, I hate evening runs.  After sitting at a desk all day, my body does not want to move the way I want it to for a run.  But, often, my friend, Amanda, runs with me and on some of our evening runs we head straight to the ice cream parlor for a huge ice cream cone.  We always nickname it "ice cream for dinner" because we usually don't eat anything else.

Last night, ice cream was quite the motivator.  It was a good run with a FAST time!  Hopefully, tomorrow's longer run will feel just as good!

Flights are Booked!

                                                                                                          

Today was a busy day!  Amanda and I booked our flights for the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  Just a few more loose ends to tie up (like an extra night and praying for Free Dining!) and we'll be on our way!

I tried for a "hat trick" of "Fastest 10Ks" today but it was not in the cards.  My afternoon/evening runs are always horrible.  This one was particularly bad.  At the halfway point of my 6.25 mile run, I had to use the bathroom.  My choices were:  Turn around and try to make it 2 miles back to the Port a Potty or keep going another .75 miles to the next Port a Potty.  I decided that I was not going to make the 2 miles back so I went the .75 more.  Now, this, of course, meant that I finished my run when I was still almost 1.5 miles from my car!  UGH! 

I'm going to try to get another run in on Thursday afternoon but I think it will be a bit more leisurely.  As you can see, I have more than 6 months until my next race so I'm going to take it easy here, for a bit, on my runs.  Keep the distance.  Lose the speed.

Another Fastest 10K!

For the second  week in a row, my Nike + app recorded my run as my "fastest 10k!"  I'm still learning this app but to the best of knowledge, this week's 10k was just a couple of seconds faster than last weeks.  Overall, my run was actually a few seconds slower.  Depending upon how my training goes during the week, I'd like to run 8 miles next Saturday.  We'll see if I wind up with a third "fastest 10k" at THAT distance!

I always do small workouts during the week.  For example, this week, I ran 2 miles on Monday morning, did Jillian Michaels on Tuesday morning, did a Denise Austin ab workout yesterday morning and last night I changed things up a bit.  Instead of my normal "medium" run, I did steps.

Our town is the home of the William McKinley National Monument.  There are 108 steps.  I only did 3 laps but it is a good workout!  This morning I was back to a 2 mile run on some sore legs!

Fastest 10K?

So, my Nike+ app told me that I ran my fastest 10K today.  I think we must have both eaten something rotten for dinner last night.  The run started out well enough.  It was cool (which I love) but drizzling (which I HATE) but I run on a densely wooded trail so most of the way it is like running under a giant umbrella.  There were a couple of times and places, though, where it was raining pretty hard - blech!

So, all was going well until about the 5 1/2 mile mark.  I had to go to the bathroom.  And my body doesn't just give me a warning.  When I'm running and I have to go, I have to go NOW!!!  Except the port-a-potty is at the 5 3/4 mile mark   I was in some serious pain - to the point that I couldn't run.  I just walked fast and cried!

That's my explanation for my strange splits.  After I used the bathroom - I made up my speed!  I've been working on speed a lot during my short, two mile, morning runs.  Maybe it's starting to pay off!  I hope so!

Now to work on not having to use the bathroom during a run....

Ouch!

I love to do an ab/core workout for cross training.  I have really started to see results.  I bought a two piece swimsuit this year for the first time since I've been about 20 years old.  And let me just add that that was LONG time ago!

One of my favorite workouts was the Ab Crunch workout on Netflix.  I'd pull it up on my Wii a couple of times a week and get in a good workout.  Well, thank you Netflix for getting rid of EVERY SINGLE exercise video that was out there!  But, I say "thank you" because you forced me to go on the hunt for a new workout video.  I think I found a hit.  It is the Denise Austin ab workout.  I found a series on YouTube.  I did level one and two this morning and then got in a 5 mile run this afternoon.  This is one sore body that I am dragging off to bed right now! 

I liked Netflix and I will like the YouTube videos because I travel a good deal of time for work and can play them on my iPad in my hotel room.  Especially if I am in an area that doesn't appear safe for running.

Rock and Roll Half Marathon

Even though it is 15 months away, I registered for the inaugural Cleveland Rock and Roll Half Marathon.  It was bargain priced ($55) for the first 500 who registered and I need all the bargain races I can get right now.  Not only was the Disney Princess a $140 registration fee but with combining it with a week at Disney World - it will certainly be the most expensive race I ever run!

Looking forward to the potential of THREE half marathons in 2013!

2012 Hall of Fame Run

This was my third year running the Hall of Fame Run.  The first time that I ran the 2 mile race in 2010, I was just barely able to run 2 miles at a time without stopping.  My daughter ran with me and was the best cheerleader/pacer that I could have had!

In 2011, I ran the 2 mile while recovering from a pelvic avulsion fracture.  THIS year, I took on the 5 mile.  My time was 54:06. This was about a minute faster than the 4th of July race a few weeks ago.  I have been dedicated to working on my speed while maintaining my endurance. 

This will be a rough week as it is so full of activities that I will not get in a "medium" run during the week.  Hopefully, the short 2 mile runs will tide me over until Saturday!

Coronado Springs - Here we come!

It's getting closer!  Only 215 more days!  Made our vacation package reservations today.  We'll be staying at Coronado Springs for 8 nights with 6 day park hoppers and Quick Start dining.  We're still debating purchasing the Race Retreat.  It seems like a lot of money for the morning but the private toilets and mimosas could be worth it!

Next details to conquer are the flights.  I hope something reasonable comes through!

Disney Princess Half Marathon

The deed is done.  I have registered for the 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon. 

Ever since I registered for the Canton Half back in January, my daughter has been telling me that she wants to do a Disney Half with me.  The "regular" Disney Marathon Weekend in January seems a little overwhelming right now but the Disney Princess Half in February seems a little more low keyed.  Besides, who doesn't want to run with the Princesses? 

My running partner and friend from work also registered so the three of us will head down to Orlando in February and get our race on!  Only 224 more days!!!

North Canton July Fourth Run

This past Wednesday, I ran the 35th annual Fourth of July run in North Canton.  There were 3002 runners and the temperature was about 80 at race time.  It was a HOT 5 mile run but I ran with 4 good friends and everyone finished well!

Next up is the Hall of Fame 5 mile run!

Jackson Glow Run

I had a wonderful weekend.  It began with the Jackson Glow Run 5k on Friday night.  I REALLY wanted to run this race last year just as I was beginning to get good at running 2 miles and looking to increase to my first 5k but I got a weird pelvic avulsion fracture about a week before the race.  I could barely walk so I couldn't even begin to think about running.  But a year later, it was a lot of fun!  I would still like to get faster times for these shorter races but I'm having a hard time, mentally, getting away from the 13.1 pace.

Next up is the North Canton Fourth of July run on Wednesday morning!

Do one thing every day that scares you

-Eleanor Roosevelt

I guess that has pretty much been the theme of my past six months. It perfectly describes my mid-life crisis. I'm tired of being safe! Shortly after deciding to run a half marathon, I decided that if I made it, I'd get a tattoo to commemorate it. It wasn't a spur of the moment idea. I have been contemplating a tattoo for about ten years now. But I was being SAFE. I didn't know what to get or where. This race was the perfect excuse.

I'm running a 5k on Friday night. It's hard to imagine that I am running "short" runs of 2, 3, and 4 miles this week. It hasn't been that long ago that I thought I could NEVER run 4 miles! One goal of my mid-life crisis achieved. A sense of achievement!

Wait.  Let's stop and rewind: 

Okay. It was never easy for me.  I was born a poor black child. I remember the days, sittin' on the porch with my family, singin' and dancin' down in Mississippi.

Not that far.

I took up running in the Spring of 2010.  I had regularly been walking about 2 miles on an average of 4 to 5 times per week.  So, when the running bug hit, I thought it would be easy!  My first run was about 1/8 mile and I was completely out of breath.  I just decided I would plug away at it and go a little further each time.  By August (with the help of my daughter) I ran my first 2 mile race.  

About this same time, my hometown announced that they would be holding their first ever marathon during the summer of 2012.  It was a nagging thought - could I really do it?

Over the next 1 1/2 years, reality set in.  I could not run a marathon but MAYBE I could do a 1/2 Marathon!  So, just after the first of the year in 2012, I signed up.  I knew that paying the money would keep me accountable.  

I found a 12 week Couch to Half Marathon training guide online and decided to extend it to about 24 weeks.  I basically doubled each week's long run.

More on my training soon....

Wow!  What a crazy spiral!  This past January, I signed up for my first half marathon.  I trained for six months and this past Sunday, I made it a reality!  I finished my first half marathon!  My time was 2:36.  I was really hoping for under 2:30 but I learned some valuable lessons in those 6 minutes that I lost.  More on those later.

The next day, I got my first tattoo to commemorate my event.  I am proud of the time and effort that I put forth and wanted to have a permanent record on the body that I put through so much hell!

My goal with this blog is just to "journal" about my training and future runs.  They won't all be half marathons!