So, is a child losing their mind a get out of workout card? Well, I got half my workout in, the other half, not happening. Turns out while I was enjoying Part 1 of today’s workout Kiddo #2 was crashing (kiddo is bipolar). He is ok now, this is after he was sat on by a police officer, and visited by firemen and paramedics. And most people don’t understand why I run! Hello! How else am I to keep my sanity?
At least Part 1 of my workout went well!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Nike+ Sensor
Last week during my Monday run, my Nike+ sensor decided it didn’t want to play, so I gave up and solely went off of my Garmin. I mean my iPod was still playing music so I was ok, but it did not record my mileage. Tuesday it worked fine! Wednesday – fine (for both runs); Thursday – no issues. Saturday – it dealt with the cold with me and no issues. Monday it worked during my first run, but then once again during my evening run it wasn’t working. So like any normal sensible person would do, I went and bought a new sensor because the battery must be wigging out, right? NO! I tried to use my new sensor today and it wouldn’t sink! AHHHHHH! I still did my 4 miles, but once again, no Nike+ tracking. Don’t they know if Nike+ doesn’t record it my Mini doesn’t get her energy and after a certain point she sits down and plays video games or with a paddle ball. So I am trying to run my iPod battery completely down (thinking that might fix the problem), hopefully that will work, I have 7 miles this week alone that isn’t on my Nike+ thing. I have also requested a group mother’s day gift from my family – I am asking for a new iPod (hey mine has got some serious miles on it!)
10 Years
Last night during my run, which I will get to later, I let my mind wonder (can get very interesting!). I started thinking about the last 10 years of my life. In the last 10 years the following has happened… Kiddo #2 was born, I realized I was in a bad marriage, decided I wanted to do a triathlon, lost a lot of weight, re-entered the military, got divorced, fell truly in love, went to a war zone, had my heart broken, got hurt, got medically discharged from the military, started smoking somewhere in that mix, got horribly out of shape, packed on way to many pounds, quit smoking, started training for triathlons, completed my first 5K, signed up for my first triathlon, signed up for first marathon because a friend was going to do it (but she never did), completed my first triathlon (and second and third all that summer), completed my first half marathon (and second that same year), did 5 marathons in a 12 month period, lost a bunch of weight somewhere in that time frame, put most of it back on (but differently), completed my first half ironman and the list goes on. Looking back over the past ten years, I realize #1 this cannot be done alone. All my successes (and failures) in racing I could not have even thought about attempting without my sister. If I want her at a race, she comes! There are 4 races she has not come to and that is only because I used them as training runs (ended up getting a trophy from them [3rd place Athena] but she did come to the awards dinner). As far as the military goes, my parents stepped up to help me with that (hey, I was a single mom to two little boys). The smoking, my boys helped me quit. The broken heart, friends helped me (and are still helping me) through that. By the time I finished my run I realized how lucky I have been. Yes, I have been through some VERY trying times, but all in all, I am very proud and happy with the way things are working out.
On to Training!
Yesterday was my ”easy” run, right? Yea, ok! Like I have said before Kiddo #2 has soccer practice in “hill country”, so I guess there really is no “easy” run in that area. I will say without a shadow of a doubt when I can actually run that entire way without stopping I will be so ecstatic! I run the first half mostly non-stop and feel great! The second half, well, that is a whole other story! This is the elevation of the entire run…
This is the elevation of hill #1 (I have made it all the up without stopping!)…
Hill #2 – I swear at this hill and have to stop and let my HR going down twice (better than last time, I thought I was going to die trying to walk up the stupid thing)…
Monday – 4.11 + Strength
On to Training!
Yesterday was my ”easy” run, right? Yea, ok! Like I have said before Kiddo #2 has soccer practice in “hill country”, so I guess there really is no “easy” run in that area. I will say without a shadow of a doubt when I can actually run that entire way without stopping I will be so ecstatic! I run the first half mostly non-stop and feel great! The second half, well, that is a whole other story! This is the elevation of the entire run…
This is the elevation of hill #1 (I have made it all the up without stopping!)…
Hill #2 – I swear at this hill and have to stop and let my HR going down twice (better than last time, I thought I was going to die trying to walk up the stupid thing)…
I really wish I had put my blood sugar tester in my bad, but I was starting to crash and it would have been very helpful to know what my number was. Luckily I had OJ and Cliff Shots in the back of my truck. After a bottle of OJ and two cubes, I was ok (Kiddo #2 happily ate rest of the cubes after soccer!). I told my sister it must have been a great workout! It took all of about 10 minutes sitting in my truck after my workout for this to start happening!
Oh yea! And my stupid Nike+ sensor must think it is funny! This is the second Monday in a row that is decided it didn’t want to recognize my shoe sensor so it didn’t track my run. >( Thank goodness I had my Garmin with me!
Monday – 4.11 + Strength
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –
Week total: 4.11
April Total (since starting this blog) 21.23
Things on the don’t do list
Lunges (hurts right knee)
Sidewalking (hurts right knee)
Kick the soccer ball (hurts left foot)
Monday, April 26, 2010
Whale!
What a fantastic workout! I started off with a quarter of a mile warm-up (starting at a 1.0 pace slowly working my way up to 3.5). Once my warm-up was done I did a little bit of stretching. Next was my true warm-up – a one mile run. Felt great, during the commercials I upped my pace a little (trying to defeat boredom). By the end the outside of my calves were on fire! Hmmm, need to get my Stick to them! Other than that, felt great! Then on to the weights, I decided to do lower body at a higher weight and upper body at a lower (Wednesday I have hills and I really do not want to do heavy lower body!). I also managed to get some planks in there… I think my abs are going to disown me, IT FEELS GREAT!This afternoon I have part 2 of today’s workout (Kiddo #2 has soccer practice). So I will have a “easy” run through hill country, unless it is to cold or raining or snowing (then practice will be cancelled) then I will take Kiddo #2 to the gym with me and I will hit the treadmill to do my actual miles for today.
Recently, in a large city in Australia, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It said, "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"A middle-aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.
To Whom It May Concern,Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans.) They have an active sex life, get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia . Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world. Mermaids don't exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human? They don't have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them, not to mention how could they have sex? Just look at them .... where is IT? Therefore, they don't have kids either. Not to mention, who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store?The choice is perfectly clear to me: I want to be a whale.
(Copyright © 2000-2005 ART of the SEA. http://www.artofthesea.com/oils/wallace/WALLACE%20WHALES.JPG)
P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver, and a piece of chocolate with my friends. With time, we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy. Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, ¨Good grief, look how smart I am!
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –
Week total: 1
April Total (since starting this blog) 17.12
Things on the don’t do list
Lunges (hurts right knee)
Sidewalking (hurts right knee)
Kick the soccer ball (hurts left foot)
Recently, in a large city in Australia, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It said, "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"A middle-aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.
To Whom It May Concern,Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans.) They have an active sex life, get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia . Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world. Mermaids don't exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of Argentinean psychoanalysts due to identity crisis. Fish or human? They don't have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them, not to mention how could they have sex? Just look at them .... where is IT? Therefore, they don't have kids either. Not to mention, who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store?The choice is perfectly clear to me: I want to be a whale.
(Copyright © 2000-2005 ART of the SEA. http://www.artofthesea.com/oils/wallace/WALLACE%20WHALES.JPG)
P.S. We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who makes me shiver, and a piece of chocolate with my friends. With time, we gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated and happy. Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, ¨Good grief, look how smart I am!
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –
Week total: 1
April Total (since starting this blog) 17.12
Things on the don’t do list
Lunges (hurts right knee)
Sidewalking (hurts right knee)
Kick the soccer ball (hurts left foot)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Golden Corral
As a single mother of two growing boys places like Golden Corral are great! Kiddo #2 is very choosy, but in a good way. He gets a plate of fruit with a side of mac & cheese, then he gets a plate of asparagus with another side of mac &chese, then for dessert he gets more fruit with maybe a cookie. Kiddo #1, not so good. But all that is completely besides the point. As a vegetarian it is not exactly easy for me to go to places like that. I get the salad bar, which a fair number of items have meat in them, the main course bars well that is where my rant really comes from. I love green beans, Golden Corral puts bacon or pork or something in their green beans, so I asked the manager about that (assuming it comes in the can that way). I was informed that it does not come like that, it is Golden Corral’s recipe. I found some really good looking beans (legumes) and low and behold… meat! So I enjoyed a salad (sort of), asparagus (drenched in butter), mashed potatoes (I splurged), broccoli (cooked in water), cauliflower (also cooked in water), dessert was cottage cheese with come pears on top. I do not expect places to cater to those of us who do not eat meat, but it would be nice for a little consideration to be taken. Do green beans really need bacon in them to make them eatable?
As far as training goes, well, things did not work out so well. After yesterday’s run my shoes were cold and wet. To make matters worse I was notified last minute that my boys will be getting their First Communion shortly and there were “family activities” at the church. So my 7-miler went right out the window. So missing that run, my weeks miles came to a grand total of 17.12 and I was less than 6 miles shy for the week. Not bad, but I really need to do better.
Monday – 4.04 + Strength
Tuesday – 3.14
Wednesday – 4.34 + strength (hill training)
Thursday – 3.1
Friday – Rest
Saturday –2.5 miles
Sunday – 0 :(
Week total:17.12
Things on the don’t do list
Lunges (hurts right knee)
Sidewalking (hurts right knee)
Kick the soccer ball (hurts left foot)
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Cold, Wet Feet
My alarm went off this morning at a very disgusitng time for a Saturday morning, I decided I was not in the mood to go to spinning so I hit snooze, rolled over and contiued sleeping! Kiddo #1 was up at 7 something but did not wake me up until about 8 something (good kid!) at which time I told him to start getting ready for Tae Kwon Do. I started getting ready for my run. I put on my capri running tights, my knee brace (that can finally fit again), my running pants (kind of wind breaker material), then my running bra, HRM, running bra shirt and long sleeve tech shirt from Disney World, oh yea and shoes and socks. As we were heading out the door I realized just how cold it was out there, so I made kiddo #1 go back in and get my sweatshirt and bag. We got to the Tae Kwon Do studio, I pulled out my Tooks head phones (I will get to those in a minute), my inhailer and other bits I needed. I went in until Kiddo #1 started class and off I went. Starting out was al ittle rough, running through the snow might not have helped the sistuation any, but I continued along anyway. My shins were hurting so I kept stopping to stretch them. Finanlly I got into it and I had finished a nice short run. My feet got a little (VERY) wet and cold.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Spring time in Colorado
I am happy to report that today is my rest day! If the roads clear up, I might take the kiddos to the pool tonight, don’t know yet though! Last night we enjoyed a thunderstorm, today we are fighting with a good amount of heavy wet snow!
I still have two days officially left in this week, but I am very happy with how training is going. In the past I have done my miles and that was that! This season I am working on hills (I love hills, I love hills, I love hills), speed and strength. With Kiddo #2 have soccer practice in hill country, the hill workouts are easy to get it! We have a gymlet downstairs at work (I call it a gymlet because it is a nice small little gym [it is a lot more than most hotels have, but it is not what I would consider a well equipped gym, but I like it all the same]) so I can get a good strength training session in and I can work on speed there too!
Strength:
Lat pull down
Seated row
Leg press
Calf raise
Bench press (usually holding my legs up)
Dumbbell shoulder press
Leg extension
Leg Curl
Bicep curl
Tricep extension
Dumbbell pec fly
Dumbbell should fly thing (I have no idea what the actual name is, but it works shoulders and I need all the help I can get with my shoulders!)
Side bends
I need to add more ab work and some back work to my strength program. I do strength twice a week – one lighter day and one heavier day. I have been contemplating making on day light leg/heavy upper and the other heavy legs/light upper, not sure yet though. I might wait a few weeks before I do that.
Tomorrow I have 30 minute Fartlek session (Kiddo #1 has Tae Kwon Do tomorrow morning and there is a train behind the building!) I am also on the wait list for the 6:30 spinning class. Sunday is a nice 7 miler.
Monday – 4.04 + Strength
Tuesday – 3.14
Wednesday – 4.34 + strength (hill training)Thursday – 3.1
Friday – Rest
Saturday – Spinning + 30 min Fartlek
Sunday – 7 miles
Things on the don’t do list
Lunges (hurts right knee)
Sidewalking (hurts right knee)
Kick the soccer ball (hurts left foot)
I still have two days officially left in this week, but I am very happy with how training is going. In the past I have done my miles and that was that! This season I am working on hills (I love hills, I love hills, I love hills), speed and strength. With Kiddo #2 have soccer practice in hill country, the hill workouts are easy to get it! We have a gymlet downstairs at work (I call it a gymlet because it is a nice small little gym [it is a lot more than most hotels have, but it is not what I would consider a well equipped gym, but I like it all the same]) so I can get a good strength training session in and I can work on speed there too!
Strength:
Lat pull down
Seated row
Leg press
Calf raise
Bench press (usually holding my legs up)
Dumbbell shoulder press
Leg extension
Leg Curl
Bicep curl
Tricep extension
Dumbbell pec fly
Dumbbell should fly thing (I have no idea what the actual name is, but it works shoulders and I need all the help I can get with my shoulders!)
Side bends
I need to add more ab work and some back work to my strength program. I do strength twice a week – one lighter day and one heavier day. I have been contemplating making on day light leg/heavy upper and the other heavy legs/light upper, not sure yet though. I might wait a few weeks before I do that.
Tomorrow I have 30 minute Fartlek session (Kiddo #1 has Tae Kwon Do tomorrow morning and there is a train behind the building!) I am also on the wait list for the 6:30 spinning class. Sunday is a nice 7 miler.
Monday – 4.04 + Strength
Tuesday – 3.14
Wednesday – 4.34 + strength (hill training)Thursday – 3.1
Friday – Rest
Saturday – Spinning + 30 min Fartlek
Sunday – 7 miles
Things on the don’t do list
Lunges (hurts right knee)
Sidewalking (hurts right knee)
Kick the soccer ball (hurts left foot)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
And the ranting continues!
Ok today is truly a rant day!
Let me start off with I am a single mother of two (9 and 10 years old). I love my boys and one thing I enjoy doing with them is working out (going for walks/runs, swimming, etc.). I belong to both 24 Hour Fitness and the YMCA. I hate going to the Y to get my training workout in (excluding spinning class and yoga). There are kids running every which direction, a significant number of them are NOT supervised by their parents, I am focusing on them more than my workout because they are screwing around on the machine next to me and I am worried they will get hurt (or cause me to get hurt). I love 24 because, guess what! KIDS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE WORKOUT AREAS! Both locations have this amazing invention called the (are you ready?) child watch! Children under the age of 8 really have no business being on adult cardio equipment (they are two small). I have had my children within the past year on a treadmill that was right next to me and when all the others were full and an adult was looking for a machine I asked my kiddo to move (which he did very politely) and then both of them were on the stationary bikes that were right in front of my treadmill. I don’t mind a child being on a piece of equipment if they are using it correctly (and an adult is next to them supervising). Weights are another matter entirely… a child’s body is not built for weight lifting until they are about 12 years old, it is not good! It is bad! Neither of my boys have been permitted to touch any weight machine and they get “the look” when they pick up weights in the store.
Today during my lunch time workout, I went down to our little gymlet (it has three elliptical machines, two treadmills, two stationary bikes, some dumbbells, and a few basic weight machines) for a three mile interval run. About half way through my workout he comes this guy with a kid. A KID! We are in an office gym and there is a kid? Come on! Before they left the kid (who I would guess was about 6) had messed around on the treadmill, the elliptical machine, the recumbent stationary bike, the weight machines, oh and was bouncing the exercise ball into the window that had blinds over it! BUT I managed to bite my tongue!
As far as my workout, I upped it a little. I stated off 2min run (upped my pace by 1 mph)/3 min walk for the first mile, then I had to go to 2/4 for the second mile and 1/1 for the last mile. I am ready for my nap now! In all actuality it felt great!
Monday – 4.04 + Strength
Tuesday – 3.14
Wednesday – 4.34 + strength (hill training)Thursday – 3.1
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –
Things I should not do
Lunges (hurts right knee)
Sidewalking (hurts right knee)
Kick the soccer ball (hurts left foot)
Let me start off with I am a single mother of two (9 and 10 years old). I love my boys and one thing I enjoy doing with them is working out (going for walks/runs, swimming, etc.). I belong to both 24 Hour Fitness and the YMCA. I hate going to the Y to get my training workout in (excluding spinning class and yoga). There are kids running every which direction, a significant number of them are NOT supervised by their parents, I am focusing on them more than my workout because they are screwing around on the machine next to me and I am worried they will get hurt (or cause me to get hurt). I love 24 because, guess what! KIDS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE WORKOUT AREAS! Both locations have this amazing invention called the (are you ready?) child watch! Children under the age of 8 really have no business being on adult cardio equipment (they are two small). I have had my children within the past year on a treadmill that was right next to me and when all the others were full and an adult was looking for a machine I asked my kiddo to move (which he did very politely) and then both of them were on the stationary bikes that were right in front of my treadmill. I don’t mind a child being on a piece of equipment if they are using it correctly (and an adult is next to them supervising). Weights are another matter entirely… a child’s body is not built for weight lifting until they are about 12 years old, it is not good! It is bad! Neither of my boys have been permitted to touch any weight machine and they get “the look” when they pick up weights in the store.
Today during my lunch time workout, I went down to our little gymlet (it has three elliptical machines, two treadmills, two stationary bikes, some dumbbells, and a few basic weight machines) for a three mile interval run. About half way through my workout he comes this guy with a kid. A KID! We are in an office gym and there is a kid? Come on! Before they left the kid (who I would guess was about 6) had messed around on the treadmill, the elliptical machine, the recumbent stationary bike, the weight machines, oh and was bouncing the exercise ball into the window that had blinds over it! BUT I managed to bite my tongue!
As far as my workout, I upped it a little. I stated off 2min run (upped my pace by 1 mph)/3 min walk for the first mile, then I had to go to 2/4 for the second mile and 1/1 for the last mile. I am ready for my nap now! In all actuality it felt great!
Monday – 4.04 + Strength
Tuesday – 3.14
Wednesday – 4.34 + strength (hill training)Thursday – 3.1
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –
Things I should not do
Lunges (hurts right knee)
Sidewalking (hurts right knee)
Kick the soccer ball (hurts left foot)
Words
I have to vent for a moment.
Most of the time I can either ignore what people say or I use it to better me (please see title and description of this blog). But there are some things that can not only get under my skin but stays under my skin and all I can do is bite my tongue. I am sorry, but I have to let it out here!
First let me make it VERY clear that I would be lost without my parents. I love them both very much but sometimes they do not understand the power of what they are saying. Growing up my mom and I were like oil and vinegar.
About 14 years ago, I came home and my mom asked what my plans were for that evening. I remaindered her I had a band concert; she informed me she wasn’t going because they were never any good anyway. I understand that the early concerts were painful, fine, this was not one of the early concerts. I was the type of person you could give me an interment, give me two weeks and I could play like most people do after YEARS of practice. Within six months of starting violin I decided to try out for the local youth sympathy orchestra and made it (I played the Hungarian Folk Dance)! The school I was going to even managed to secure me a scholarship and my mom decided I was not permitted to do it (she knew I was trying out, maybe she thought I wasn’t going to make it, who knows). She made it very clear to me that my music was a waste of time – I had wanted to go to Marymount Manhattan after high school. Then a couple of years ago we were driving around and she asked me why I gave up my music, EXCUSE ME? I thought we were going to get in an accident! I muttered something like ‘it was nothing but a waste of time’ trying to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.
I get about the same support with my races. My sister on the other hand, no matter how unsure I am about an upcoming race I have my sister there to encourage me (even if she might think I can’t do it, she NEVER tells me).
Oh and since I am ranting anyway, I also enjoyed a Christmas a few years back when I was laying on the floor playing with my puppy and my dad told me I looked like a beached whale (I had returned from Iraq, injured and was unable to really exercise so I had packed on a decent amount of weight). By the way, my dad is NOT a small person!
Most of the time I can either ignore what people say or I use it to better me (please see title and description of this blog). But there are some things that can not only get under my skin but stays under my skin and all I can do is bite my tongue. I am sorry, but I have to let it out here!
First let me make it VERY clear that I would be lost without my parents. I love them both very much but sometimes they do not understand the power of what they are saying. Growing up my mom and I were like oil and vinegar.
About 14 years ago, I came home and my mom asked what my plans were for that evening. I remaindered her I had a band concert; she informed me she wasn’t going because they were never any good anyway. I understand that the early concerts were painful, fine, this was not one of the early concerts. I was the type of person you could give me an interment, give me two weeks and I could play like most people do after YEARS of practice. Within six months of starting violin I decided to try out for the local youth sympathy orchestra and made it (I played the Hungarian Folk Dance)! The school I was going to even managed to secure me a scholarship and my mom decided I was not permitted to do it (she knew I was trying out, maybe she thought I wasn’t going to make it, who knows). She made it very clear to me that my music was a waste of time – I had wanted to go to Marymount Manhattan after high school. Then a couple of years ago we were driving around and she asked me why I gave up my music, EXCUSE ME? I thought we were going to get in an accident! I muttered something like ‘it was nothing but a waste of time’ trying to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.
I get about the same support with my races. My sister on the other hand, no matter how unsure I am about an upcoming race I have my sister there to encourage me (even if she might think I can’t do it, she NEVER tells me).
Oh and since I am ranting anyway, I also enjoyed a Christmas a few years back when I was laying on the floor playing with my puppy and my dad told me I looked like a beached whale (I had returned from Iraq, injured and was unable to really exercise so I had packed on a decent amount of weight). By the way, my dad is NOT a small person!
I love hills!
I love hills! I love hills! I love hills! I love hills! (I will keep repeating this until I believe it!).
Last night we got to Kiddo soccer practice and since Coach wasn’t there yet Kiddo and I kicked around the ball, well I have to be careful with my left foot because it really hurt when I hit it on anything (the side of it at least). I used that time as a warm-up since Kiddo is still working on aim! When the other boys started showing up I kept an eye out for them, Asst. Coach showed up and was working with his boy, then Coach showed up and once he started practice I headed out. I have a nice little one mile route in the neighborhoods of the practice soccer field (this is a fairly hilly area). Last night was hills!
As I was doing my warm-up I figured I would run this one particular section of the route, I would have more than a mile of warm up with hills included. I completed my warm-up and started up the hill. I knew the incline of the hill was pretty good but I did not realize I would have all that purple! By the third repeat I think I was telling myself repetitively “I LOVE HILLS!”
I finished up my hills and besides my heart trying to jump out of my chest and my lungs trying to disown me, I felt pretty good! Right as I hit my 3 mile mark it started to rain. I had enough time to get back to my car (parked over the practice field) and take my running shoes off before practice was called on account of the weather! My workout had a nice verity of greens and oranges. I am still having to run/walk (some of those hills are just to harsh (see the purples above!)
We got home and thank goodness dinner was made (my sister and Kiddo #1 were at home) so Kiddo #2 and I were able to eat as soon as we got in the door!
Now I keep reading blogs talking about the 3 Changes in 30 Days Challenge (or something like that)… When I got home I had 2 sodas (diet and caffeine free) which meant I went through a case in less than a week! WHAT????? so I started thinking about the 3 Change thing. Here is what I have come up with…
#1 – Sodas – I have one sitting on my desk which I will drink, but I will not buy anymore for the next 30 days.
#2 – Stairs – I think I love stairs about as much as I love hills! I will take the stairs up to work at least once a day (I work on the 5th floor) and down at least twice a day (assuming I go down stairs more than once)
#3 – Starbucks – I refuse to give it up all together! But I will decrease the size. And no brownies!
Those are my goals for the next 30 days! Wish me luck!
Monday – 4.04 + Strength - did lunges - HUGE mistake!
Tuesday – 3.14 - Did sidewalking - mistake!
Wednesday – 4.34 + strength (hill training)
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –
Last night we got to Kiddo soccer practice and since Coach wasn’t there yet Kiddo and I kicked around the ball, well I have to be careful with my left foot because it really hurt when I hit it on anything (the side of it at least). I used that time as a warm-up since Kiddo is still working on aim! When the other boys started showing up I kept an eye out for them, Asst. Coach showed up and was working with his boy, then Coach showed up and once he started practice I headed out. I have a nice little one mile route in the neighborhoods of the practice soccer field (this is a fairly hilly area). Last night was hills!
"Today's workout is to run 3 hill repeats, about the same length of time for each as it would take you to run a fast 400 on the track. In other words, if you run 400 repeats in 90 seconds, your hill repeats should take about that time too. Warm up before and cool down after. Because hills vary so greatly in their length and pitch, don't get too fussy about the precise details of this workout. More important is the application of energy you bring to hill training during the first half dozen weeks of this program. Finding a hill to train on is not always easy, particularly if you live in the flatlands. Jacksonville, Florida, where I have my winter training base, seems flat as a pancake. Runners there do their hill training on the high and steep bridges that cross the St. Johns River downtown. You can also do your hill training on a treadmill, if necessary." (http://www.halhigdon.com/spring/springinter2.htm)
As I was doing my warm-up I figured I would run this one particular section of the route, I would have more than a mile of warm up with hills included. I completed my warm-up and started up the hill. I knew the incline of the hill was pretty good but I did not realize I would have all that purple! By the third repeat I think I was telling myself repetitively “I LOVE HILLS!”
I finished up my hills and besides my heart trying to jump out of my chest and my lungs trying to disown me, I felt pretty good! Right as I hit my 3 mile mark it started to rain. I had enough time to get back to my car (parked over the practice field) and take my running shoes off before practice was called on account of the weather! My workout had a nice verity of greens and oranges. I am still having to run/walk (some of those hills are just to harsh (see the purples above!)
We got home and thank goodness dinner was made (my sister and Kiddo #1 were at home) so Kiddo #2 and I were able to eat as soon as we got in the door!
Now I keep reading blogs talking about the 3 Changes in 30 Days Challenge (or something like that)… When I got home I had 2 sodas (diet and caffeine free) which meant I went through a case in less than a week! WHAT????? so I started thinking about the 3 Change thing. Here is what I have come up with…
#1 – Sodas – I have one sitting on my desk which I will drink, but I will not buy anymore for the next 30 days.
#2 – Stairs – I think I love stairs about as much as I love hills! I will take the stairs up to work at least once a day (I work on the 5th floor) and down at least twice a day (assuming I go down stairs more than once)
#3 – Starbucks – I refuse to give it up all together! But I will decrease the size. And no brownies!
Those are my goals for the next 30 days! Wish me luck!
Monday – 4.04 + Strength - did lunges - HUGE mistake!
Tuesday – 3.14 - Did sidewalking - mistake!
Wednesday – 4.34 + strength (hill training)
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
So I was checking out my run/walk schedule last night and it turns out I was supposed to run for 2 and walk for 4, oops! Oh well. I think tomorrow I will stick with 2/3. Today is a two workout day. Lunch time workout was a nice warm up plus an easy mile and heavier weights. Nothing drastic. Tonight’s workout is supposed to be hills. I love hills! I love hills! I love hills! I love hills! Kiddo #2 has soccer practice again tonight so I get to do more outdoor running (hoping it doesn’t rain to much), there is a nice hill that is just around the corner from the practice field.
On a side note, I have about 46 days until San Diego. I am not worried about my time, I will probably walk the majority of it. I am looking forward to getting a few runs in at sea level!
On yet another side (personal) note: I came across someone on Facebook who married a friend of mine a few years back and it got me thinking about my past life (my life while I was in the military for the second time around). It can be very interesting taking strolls down memory lane but it can also be very painful. In this case it was interesting. They had a German court house marriage (I had never been to one) I don’t think they could have fit more people into one room no matter how hard they tried! Sadly, the marriage did not last, but I guess that is life in this modern day and age.
Facebook is a very interesting tool. I have reconnected with a fair number of people I would never have thought would enter my life again. It is nice to hear that things are going ok, it is also nice to know there are people out there (no matter how far away) who you can reach out to in times of need (and vice versa).
Continuing on the Facebook kick… You get friend suggestions on the side, fine whatever! Some of the suggestions are insane. For example I have one friend who went to school in a certain city, so guess what I am getting suggestions to become friends with something out of this city (?)! Ok, I can understand I have a few friends who have a friend in common, sure recommend that person, but my friend from that city ISN’T EVEN A FRIEND OF THAT WHATEVER! Ok, I am done with that horse, for now!
Monday – 4.04 + Strength - did lunges - HUGE mistake!
Tuesday – 3.14 - Did sidewalking - mistake!
Wednesday – 1.34 + strength (part 1 of workout so far)
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –
On a side note, I have about 46 days until San Diego. I am not worried about my time, I will probably walk the majority of it. I am looking forward to getting a few runs in at sea level!
On yet another side (personal) note: I came across someone on Facebook who married a friend of mine a few years back and it got me thinking about my past life (my life while I was in the military for the second time around). It can be very interesting taking strolls down memory lane but it can also be very painful. In this case it was interesting. They had a German court house marriage (I had never been to one) I don’t think they could have fit more people into one room no matter how hard they tried! Sadly, the marriage did not last, but I guess that is life in this modern day and age.
Facebook is a very interesting tool. I have reconnected with a fair number of people I would never have thought would enter my life again. It is nice to hear that things are going ok, it is also nice to know there are people out there (no matter how far away) who you can reach out to in times of need (and vice versa).
Continuing on the Facebook kick… You get friend suggestions on the side, fine whatever! Some of the suggestions are insane. For example I have one friend who went to school in a certain city, so guess what I am getting suggestions to become friends with something out of this city (?)! Ok, I can understand I have a few friends who have a friend in common, sure recommend that person, but my friend from that city ISN’T EVEN A FRIEND OF THAT WHATEVER! Ok, I am done with that horse, for now!
Monday – 4.04 + Strength - did lunges - HUGE mistake!
Tuesday – 3.14 - Did sidewalking - mistake!
Wednesday – 1.34 + strength (part 1 of workout so far)
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Back to Training
After a VERY rough start to the year I am trying to get back into training. The past two days have gone pretty well so far. I have to keep in mind that I am still on the injured list so I NEED to take it easy, not an easy task!
While Kiddo #2 was at soccer last night I got a 3-miler in and of course he practices in an extremely hilly part of town, but it is good training! I had to stop and rewrap my knee half way through my workout, I think I wrapped it to tight, so I stopped and took the wrap off (I cannot wait until my leg is slim enough to wear my brace again!), then like a dodo head I did some lunges… Stupid, stupid, stupid! Got home, did the whole dinner ritual and then I soaked in a nice tub for a while and relaxed rest of the night. (Oh, and my pace was horrible! But it felt nice to be back out there again)
Today, I had another 3-miler on the books, today I figured I would work on speed. To qualify for Boston I would have to run a 3:40! Ok, seriously, not going to happen for a while, but I would like to not be worrying about the 6:00 cut off time! So, I have my magic number for this year in my head and I got on the treadmill and did 2 minutes at that speed and 3 minutes walking, I will do this again on Wednesday. Next week I think I go up, but I will have to double check my schedule to make sure! After my run I did my normal cool down three minutes walking, two minutes side walking. I think side walking is off my list for a while. Other than that, it felt great!
Monday – 4.04 + Strength
Tuesday – 3.14
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –
While Kiddo #2 was at soccer last night I got a 3-miler in and of course he practices in an extremely hilly part of town, but it is good training! I had to stop and rewrap my knee half way through my workout, I think I wrapped it to tight, so I stopped and took the wrap off (I cannot wait until my leg is slim enough to wear my brace again!), then like a dodo head I did some lunges… Stupid, stupid, stupid! Got home, did the whole dinner ritual and then I soaked in a nice tub for a while and relaxed rest of the night. (Oh, and my pace was horrible! But it felt nice to be back out there again)
Today, I had another 3-miler on the books, today I figured I would work on speed. To qualify for Boston I would have to run a 3:40! Ok, seriously, not going to happen for a while, but I would like to not be worrying about the 6:00 cut off time! So, I have my magic number for this year in my head and I got on the treadmill and did 2 minutes at that speed and 3 minutes walking, I will do this again on Wednesday. Next week I think I go up, but I will have to double check my schedule to make sure! After my run I did my normal cool down three minutes walking, two minutes side walking. I think side walking is off my list for a while. Other than that, it felt great!
Monday – 4.04 + Strength
Tuesday – 3.14
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –
Here I go!
Ok, I have fallen into the “endurance athlete” category for going on 4 years now! It started off with the desire to do a triathlon – not an ironman, a regular everyday sprint distance triathlon! Next thing I knew I had at least 6 sprint distance triathlons, 1 olympic tri start (the race was cancelled half way through due to the weather), a half ironman, I have no idea how many races from 5Ks to marathons. I am doing all this with CRPS, hypothyroidism, a messed up knee and the list goes on!
A friend suggested I try the blogging route (training hasn’t been going so well lately) and here I am!
A friend suggested I try the blogging route (training hasn’t been going so well lately) and here I am!
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