Planned workout: 3 miles
Actual workout: 3.64 miles
Time: 35:15
Pace: 9:44
Weight: 126.8
I am still astonished by my pace. I have never run under 10:15 outside. Never. And really, I took a full minute stop at the drinking fountain, so my running pace was actually 9:28, which really amazes me. Really.
I'm so proud of myself. My confidence was waining to be sure. I really felt like I sucked even more every time I went out. So to go out and run that fast just astonishes me and moves me forward in a huge way.
I'm going to get through this race and then probably join Weight Watchers again. I know my true weight is not as high as 126.8 - that was my first thing in the morning weight, but I weighed myself after I ran and I was 124.0 - however, I would still like to lose 5-8 pounds and I think I need some discipline training again. I need to lower my mileage and start adding the diet discipline back in and get a clear idea of how much to eat. I think that for the most part I don't eat enough calories, but I need some help figuring it out... especially as I increase my mileage again in the middle of the summer when I start training again.
I think we're going to run the half marathon in Holland, MI at the end of September. Its super cheap ($30) so you can't beat that, but it also sounds like a beautiful course - 4 miles along Lake Macatawa, ending in Holland State Park. It will be a good time of year, my parents can watch the girls, we can meet up with some friends, etc. Just sounds like a good one to do and I'm looking forward to it. I think we have 20 weeks between the Indy and the Holland, so training would begin in mid June or in July depending on what kind of mileage I'm doing before then.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Saturday April 24, 2010
Workout: 12 miles
time: 2:18:35
pace: 11:35
weight: 125.2
I think that this was quite possibly the most miserable 2 hours of my life:) Actually probably the last hour was the worst. Wait... that 9 1/2 mile run I did a couple of weeks ago was probably worse. At any rate, this was horrible and from mile 7 to the end I had to coax myself to keep going and not turn to go home. I just wanted to go home and never run that far ever again. I took a pretty long walk break around mile 8 1/2 (long being about 1/4 mile) and gave myself a pep talk about completing the run. I wasn't very convincing:)
Not sure why it was so incredibly miserable... early in the morning, tired legs, my ipod died at mile 1 1/2, dreary weather, wind, a long hiccup in my training over the last month. All of those thing contribute for sure. As I told Cornbread when I got home - never in a million years would I have thought that a week of skiing would hinder my training so much. I thought it would be an awesome week of hard cross training. As it turns out, it was a bad thing.
I stopped at Dunkin Donuts to go to the bathroom and to eat my GU. It was probably around mile 8. That took some time. I think I was running at normal pace or a little faster... my bathroom stop and my walking breaks really increased my per mile pace - not sure by how much.
And my ipod stopping at mile 1 1/2? Yeah, that sucked HUGE. 10 1/2 miles without music = misery.
time: 2:18:35
pace: 11:35
weight: 125.2
I think that this was quite possibly the most miserable 2 hours of my life:) Actually probably the last hour was the worst. Wait... that 9 1/2 mile run I did a couple of weeks ago was probably worse. At any rate, this was horrible and from mile 7 to the end I had to coax myself to keep going and not turn to go home. I just wanted to go home and never run that far ever again. I took a pretty long walk break around mile 8 1/2 (long being about 1/4 mile) and gave myself a pep talk about completing the run. I wasn't very convincing:)
Not sure why it was so incredibly miserable... early in the morning, tired legs, my ipod died at mile 1 1/2, dreary weather, wind, a long hiccup in my training over the last month. All of those thing contribute for sure. As I told Cornbread when I got home - never in a million years would I have thought that a week of skiing would hinder my training so much. I thought it would be an awesome week of hard cross training. As it turns out, it was a bad thing.
I stopped at Dunkin Donuts to go to the bathroom and to eat my GU. It was probably around mile 8. That took some time. I think I was running at normal pace or a little faster... my bathroom stop and my walking breaks really increased my per mile pace - not sure by how much.
And my ipod stopping at mile 1 1/2? Yeah, that sucked HUGE. 10 1/2 miles without music = misery.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Wednesday April 21, 2010
Workout - plan: 6.0 miles
Actual - 6.5 miles
Time: 1:09:44
Pace: 10:39
Weight: 125.8
Almost 2 minutes slower than Monday's run. Not sure if that is the difference between running in the afternoon and running first thing in the morning with no fuel, or if it has to do with sore quads from Monday or what. Not worried about it - I completed it and right now that is what matters.
It felt rough today. And it did on Monday, too. There was not much time during either run where I didn't feel like I was laboring and really struggling to continue. As I was telling Cornbread this morning - its pretty difficult to jump right in to 6.5 miles after essentially taking 4 weeks off of training and almost 2 full weeks off of running entirely. It would be one thing to start back with 3 miles, but 6.5? That used to be my long run:) But I'm going to persevere and push through it as long as I don't get injured.
I have decided, though, that there is not a flat stretch of land within a 2 miles radius of our house. I am either short-stepping down a hill or digging in to run up a hill. And if it isn't as drastic as an actual hill (of which there are many) then it is a long incline. It feels like I never get a reprieve. Cornbread says running in Orland is much different - its much flatter. I'm hoping - and I kind of remember - Indy is flat.
I reversed my route this morning for two reasons - 1) I did not want to run on 151st for the long stretch before it got light outside; 2) the bigger hills were in the beginning of the run this morning instead of at the end. Not sure which way I like it. It was also nice to have a drinking fountain stop only 1.5 miles from the end instead of 3 miles, but when I go the direction I did on Monday, then by the time I get to the pond I feel like I'm almost done... ultimately I think I like that direction better, but it worked nicely this morning.
Again, no calf pain this morning and none yesterday. My right quad is still pretty sore so I've been using a lot of icy/hot on it. Will continue that today and will probably ice it as well. Ugh - its so frustrating... I want to be back to the beginning of March when I was feeling good and running strong!
Actual - 6.5 miles
Time: 1:09:44
Pace: 10:39
Weight: 125.8
Almost 2 minutes slower than Monday's run. Not sure if that is the difference between running in the afternoon and running first thing in the morning with no fuel, or if it has to do with sore quads from Monday or what. Not worried about it - I completed it and right now that is what matters.
It felt rough today. And it did on Monday, too. There was not much time during either run where I didn't feel like I was laboring and really struggling to continue. As I was telling Cornbread this morning - its pretty difficult to jump right in to 6.5 miles after essentially taking 4 weeks off of training and almost 2 full weeks off of running entirely. It would be one thing to start back with 3 miles, but 6.5? That used to be my long run:) But I'm going to persevere and push through it as long as I don't get injured.
I have decided, though, that there is not a flat stretch of land within a 2 miles radius of our house. I am either short-stepping down a hill or digging in to run up a hill. And if it isn't as drastic as an actual hill (of which there are many) then it is a long incline. It feels like I never get a reprieve. Cornbread says running in Orland is much different - its much flatter. I'm hoping - and I kind of remember - Indy is flat.
I reversed my route this morning for two reasons - 1) I did not want to run on 151st for the long stretch before it got light outside; 2) the bigger hills were in the beginning of the run this morning instead of at the end. Not sure which way I like it. It was also nice to have a drinking fountain stop only 1.5 miles from the end instead of 3 miles, but when I go the direction I did on Monday, then by the time I get to the pond I feel like I'm almost done... ultimately I think I like that direction better, but it worked nicely this morning.
Again, no calf pain this morning and none yesterday. My right quad is still pretty sore so I've been using a lot of icy/hot on it. Will continue that today and will probably ice it as well. Ugh - its so frustrating... I want to be back to the beginning of March when I was feeling good and running strong!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday April 20, 2010
Workout: 20:00 cross + weight training
Weight: 125.8
Glad to see my weight is down at least a little bit from yesterday. Hoping this will be a trend:)
Did 20 minutes on the upright bike this morning for my cross. On the way to the gym I decided that I hate the eliptical that much... that I couldn't even bear to do 20 minutes on it this morning. Heart rate was not great - 120's for the whole workout. But I needed a bit of an easier workout this morning.
My right quad is quite sore from yesterday's run. My abs are also sore. Pretty obvious to me that I haven't run in a while. However, I have NO calf pain or soreness today, which definitely excites me! I'm going to ice it again today and need to remember to ice my ankle, too. I don't think my ankle will ever be pain-free.
Weight: 125.8
Glad to see my weight is down at least a little bit from yesterday. Hoping this will be a trend:)
Did 20 minutes on the upright bike this morning for my cross. On the way to the gym I decided that I hate the eliptical that much... that I couldn't even bear to do 20 minutes on it this morning. Heart rate was not great - 120's for the whole workout. But I needed a bit of an easier workout this morning.
My right quad is quite sore from yesterday's run. My abs are also sore. Pretty obvious to me that I haven't run in a while. However, I have NO calf pain or soreness today, which definitely excites me! I'm going to ice it again today and need to remember to ice my ankle, too. I don't think my ankle will ever be pain-free.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Monday April 19, 2010
Planned Workout: 6 miles
Actual: 6.548 miles
Time: 1:07:56
Pace: 10:22
Weight: 127.2
First time running since I decided to rest my calf. I was a bit nervous - not because I didn't think I could do 6 miles after so long, but because I worried that even though I have not had calf pain in a week I would immediately feel pain once I started to run. I didn't and I'm so happy! Problem is, though, that I've lost a bit of fitness in the meantime and I don't have a whole lot of time to build it back up before the race. I've missed to long runs and 2 training runs since resting - a total of 33 miles. I've also lost a bit of mental toughness, too, since my last long run was so horrible. But I made it and thats what counts.
I did take 2 or 3 short walking breaks on the way back - more due to mental lapse than anything else. It is very, very hilly around here and my route is incredibly hilly - not inclines... HILLS. So mentally I have to dig deep to get to the top of the hills on the way home and I just wasn't fully there today. I'll get there.
I opted to run this afternoon instead of this morning because it was 33 degrees this morning and 54 degrees and sunny this afternoon. I'm going to do my best to stay off of the treadmill from now on. I want to train on the hills and in the wind (again with the wind today, but not nearly as bad).
Less than 3 weeks until the race. My goal is to finish it and to run the entire thing, with the exception of water stops. I am going to find a fall half marathon and really train for that one - like do all of the speed work and interval work along with the mileage. I'm hoping that some of my friends from high school will join me, but not sure how that will turn out - would be a blast to get together for something like that so we'll see.
I'm just so happy that my calf doesn't hurt at all. I'm going to ice it this afternoon as a precaution.
And my weight... not sure what to think or do about that. I haven't been eating poorly or overeating at all. I feel like I'm one of those people that looks at food and gains 2 lbs. I'm struggling with caring about it and being happy with who I am... but I wonder: at what point do I start to worry about it then? I'm hitting the water hard today and hopefully it will decrease slightly tomorrow morning. I also know that not being able to run has a huge affect on how I feel about myself and my body. I feel so strong and confident when I'm running and feel much more insecure when I'm not able to run. So hopefully all of this will come together now that I can run again.
Actual: 6.548 miles
Time: 1:07:56
Pace: 10:22
Weight: 127.2
First time running since I decided to rest my calf. I was a bit nervous - not because I didn't think I could do 6 miles after so long, but because I worried that even though I have not had calf pain in a week I would immediately feel pain once I started to run. I didn't and I'm so happy! Problem is, though, that I've lost a bit of fitness in the meantime and I don't have a whole lot of time to build it back up before the race. I've missed to long runs and 2 training runs since resting - a total of 33 miles. I've also lost a bit of mental toughness, too, since my last long run was so horrible. But I made it and thats what counts.
I did take 2 or 3 short walking breaks on the way back - more due to mental lapse than anything else. It is very, very hilly around here and my route is incredibly hilly - not inclines... HILLS. So mentally I have to dig deep to get to the top of the hills on the way home and I just wasn't fully there today. I'll get there.
I opted to run this afternoon instead of this morning because it was 33 degrees this morning and 54 degrees and sunny this afternoon. I'm going to do my best to stay off of the treadmill from now on. I want to train on the hills and in the wind (again with the wind today, but not nearly as bad).
Less than 3 weeks until the race. My goal is to finish it and to run the entire thing, with the exception of water stops. I am going to find a fall half marathon and really train for that one - like do all of the speed work and interval work along with the mileage. I'm hoping that some of my friends from high school will join me, but not sure how that will turn out - would be a blast to get together for something like that so we'll see.
I'm just so happy that my calf doesn't hurt at all. I'm going to ice it this afternoon as a precaution.
And my weight... not sure what to think or do about that. I haven't been eating poorly or overeating at all. I feel like I'm one of those people that looks at food and gains 2 lbs. I'm struggling with caring about it and being happy with who I am... but I wonder: at what point do I start to worry about it then? I'm hitting the water hard today and hopefully it will decrease slightly tomorrow morning. I also know that not being able to run has a huge affect on how I feel about myself and my body. I feel so strong and confident when I'm running and feel much more insecure when I'm not able to run. So hopefully all of this will come together now that I can run again.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Friday April 16, 2010
Workout: 20:00 cross + weights
Weight: 125.8
Went to the gym in the afternoon. Did 20 minutes on the eliptical and then did leg press, lateral raises, chest, abductors, adductors, shoulder press and biceps.
I was sitting on the bicep machine, reaching for the handles to do my second set when a guy comes up and asks if he can "jump in on it real quick". I was so flustered I gave him a really bitchy look and left to take a shower. In the shower room I was extremely peeved about it. I felt like it was incredibly disrespectful and condescending. I soooo wanted to run into him when I left so I could tell him that my workout, my time, and my biceps were just as important as his. I mean, I think it is rude to do that to anyone, but seriously - I am in great shape, I have toned arms - I look like I work out - does it really look like my workouts are not important to me? I felt very disrespected. If I'd hadn't been so shocked and taken by surprise I would have told him that I'd only be 2 more minutes and he could have it when I was finished. Really - 2 minutes. He couldn't wait that long?
So that obviously rubbed me the wrong way.
Other than that, my workout was good. Heart rate was in the mid to upper 150's on the eliptical. I increased many of my weights because I'm not running and don't need to worry about tired muscles affecting my runs.
I'm really looking forward to running again on Monday. I'm going to do my 6 miles outside instead of on the treadmill at the gym. My 6 mile route is actually around 6.15, so I may add our horseshoe stree to make it 6.5 or 6.75. I can't wait to start running again. I would also like to take some time to research proper strength training routines that compliment running training, in addition to really figure out my proper calorie intake - what I need, what I eat and what I would need to intake in order to lose 5 pounds. I suspect that in the end I'm not eating enough... or at least I'm in starvation mode during the week and then overeating during the weekend. Even with my healthy eating ideas that I posted a couple of days ago, I still feel like I need to be a little more deliberate and intentional about my diet. I just really hate figuring it all out - I'd love to have a nutrition coach who told me exactly what to eat.
One of the mom's from Bugly's preschool class went in and taught them yoga yesterday. Imagine: 4 & 5 year olds doing yoga. Bugly showed me some poses after school and she was absolutely the cutest warrier ever:) It reminded me that I want to do yoga - I had forgotten! I'm going to start looking into it. We are now in a place where I think Cornbread and I can figure out the scheduling issues in addition to the fact that my job has provided a small cushion of disposable income. Although we intend to use anything extra to pay off debt (and have been doing an awesome job - our goal this year was $4000 for the year; we paid off $3500 in the first quarter!!!!), I think we can spare the minimal amount for me to take a yoga class. Bugly's teacher is going to get me the info from this mom so I can check that out - she said it was pretty inexpensive. I really want to get going on this one - I had a goal of taking a class before my 34th birthday this year and I didn't meet it. Hoping to take a class this year.
Weight: 125.8
Went to the gym in the afternoon. Did 20 minutes on the eliptical and then did leg press, lateral raises, chest, abductors, adductors, shoulder press and biceps.
I was sitting on the bicep machine, reaching for the handles to do my second set when a guy comes up and asks if he can "jump in on it real quick". I was so flustered I gave him a really bitchy look and left to take a shower. In the shower room I was extremely peeved about it. I felt like it was incredibly disrespectful and condescending. I soooo wanted to run into him when I left so I could tell him that my workout, my time, and my biceps were just as important as his. I mean, I think it is rude to do that to anyone, but seriously - I am in great shape, I have toned arms - I look like I work out - does it really look like my workouts are not important to me? I felt very disrespected. If I'd hadn't been so shocked and taken by surprise I would have told him that I'd only be 2 more minutes and he could have it when I was finished. Really - 2 minutes. He couldn't wait that long?
So that obviously rubbed me the wrong way.
Other than that, my workout was good. Heart rate was in the mid to upper 150's on the eliptical. I increased many of my weights because I'm not running and don't need to worry about tired muscles affecting my runs.
I'm really looking forward to running again on Monday. I'm going to do my 6 miles outside instead of on the treadmill at the gym. My 6 mile route is actually around 6.15, so I may add our horseshoe stree to make it 6.5 or 6.75. I can't wait to start running again. I would also like to take some time to research proper strength training routines that compliment running training, in addition to really figure out my proper calorie intake - what I need, what I eat and what I would need to intake in order to lose 5 pounds. I suspect that in the end I'm not eating enough... or at least I'm in starvation mode during the week and then overeating during the weekend. Even with my healthy eating ideas that I posted a couple of days ago, I still feel like I need to be a little more deliberate and intentional about my diet. I just really hate figuring it all out - I'd love to have a nutrition coach who told me exactly what to eat.
One of the mom's from Bugly's preschool class went in and taught them yoga yesterday. Imagine: 4 & 5 year olds doing yoga. Bugly showed me some poses after school and she was absolutely the cutest warrier ever:) It reminded me that I want to do yoga - I had forgotten! I'm going to start looking into it. We are now in a place where I think Cornbread and I can figure out the scheduling issues in addition to the fact that my job has provided a small cushion of disposable income. Although we intend to use anything extra to pay off debt (and have been doing an awesome job - our goal this year was $4000 for the year; we paid off $3500 in the first quarter!!!!), I think we can spare the minimal amount for me to take a yoga class. Bugly's teacher is going to get me the info from this mom so I can check that out - she said it was pretty inexpensive. I really want to get going on this one - I had a goal of taking a class before my 34th birthday this year and I didn't meet it. Hoping to take a class this year.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday April 15, 2010
Workout: 60:00 circuits
Weight: 124.8
I kicked my own butt on my circuits this morning. I didn't read a magazine while working out, so all I had was my thoughts and the timer to occupy me while enduring 20 minutes of torture on each machine.
Eliptical - 20:00 - heart rate was in the upper 150's
Stairmill - 20:00 - not sure about heart rate, but my forearms were sweating, which is an indication of how horrible it was
Bike - 20:00 - heart rate was in the upper 140's - mid 150's.
Horrible, horrible, horrible. BUT it was the first time I felt like I got a "real" workout since having to take a break from running.
Weight: 124.8
I kicked my own butt on my circuits this morning. I didn't read a magazine while working out, so all I had was my thoughts and the timer to occupy me while enduring 20 minutes of torture on each machine.
Eliptical - 20:00 - heart rate was in the upper 150's
Stairmill - 20:00 - not sure about heart rate, but my forearms were sweating, which is an indication of how horrible it was
Bike - 20:00 - heart rate was in the upper 140's - mid 150's.
Horrible, horrible, horrible. BUT it was the first time I felt like I got a "real" workout since having to take a break from running.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Workout: supposed to be 6 miles, was actually 60:00 on eliptical
Weight: 124.8
Someone please shoot me. I cannot do another 60 minutes workout on the eliptical. It is so boring. I don't feel like I'm getting a good workout. AND the bottoms of my feet fall asleep. My goodness I hate it. Not like how I used to hate running or how I hate circuits - that it's so hard and almost torturous. No, this hate stems from how boring it is. Ugh. I hate it. HATE it.
Went to the gym yesterday afternoon and did 20 minutes on the eliptical (which seems to fly by after having done 60 the day before) and lifted weights - glutes, hams, quads, skipped calves, lat pull down, row & triceps. Here is something that makes me wonder.... I've been lifting weights for 3+ years - sometimes pretty heavy weights - and I've been running for 2+ years. I'm in great shape, I've got very strong legs. I did 30 reps of 20lbs on the sit down hamstring machine. Some lady sat down after me and whipped out 70+ pounds on the same machine and did the reps fast, like there was no weight on it. Here's the kicker: She's probably 50ish, overweight, has quite a bit of flabby skin and cellulite. I'm not judging, just observing - so how is it that SHE, who appears as if she hardly works out, can more than triple my hamstring weight and make it look like she's doing nothing?
I actually make a lot of observations at the gym in the afternoon. Seems there is a lot of weirdness there after 7am:)
Weight: 124.8
Someone please shoot me. I cannot do another 60 minutes workout on the eliptical. It is so boring. I don't feel like I'm getting a good workout. AND the bottoms of my feet fall asleep. My goodness I hate it. Not like how I used to hate running or how I hate circuits - that it's so hard and almost torturous. No, this hate stems from how boring it is. Ugh. I hate it. HATE it.
Went to the gym yesterday afternoon and did 20 minutes on the eliptical (which seems to fly by after having done 60 the day before) and lifted weights - glutes, hams, quads, skipped calves, lat pull down, row & triceps. Here is something that makes me wonder.... I've been lifting weights for 3+ years - sometimes pretty heavy weights - and I've been running for 2+ years. I'm in great shape, I've got very strong legs. I did 30 reps of 20lbs on the sit down hamstring machine. Some lady sat down after me and whipped out 70+ pounds on the same machine and did the reps fast, like there was no weight on it. Here's the kicker: She's probably 50ish, overweight, has quite a bit of flabby skin and cellulite. I'm not judging, just observing - so how is it that SHE, who appears as if she hardly works out, can more than triple my hamstring weight and make it look like she's doing nothing?
I actually make a lot of observations at the gym in the afternoon. Seems there is a lot of weirdness there after 7am:)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Workout: supposed to be 6 miles, was actually 60:00 on the eliptical
Weight: 125.0
After the calf situation from last week, I've decided to take a little over a week off of running. I tried taping my calf up on Friday and running very, very slowly on the treadmill, but I could still feel some pain. I'm hoping that if I rest it sufficiently I'll still have a chance at running in the race. I'm going to take this week off and try again next Monday, if I haven't shot myself by then;)
One hour on the eliptical. I hate the eliptical. Hate it. I find it so intensely boring and I hate it. BUT. It is probably the best workout for me right now - I don't get my heart rate up high enough on the bike and I don't think I could do a whole hour on the stairmill without passing out. So eliptical it is - UGH.
Heart rate was up in the 140's - 150's for most of the workout. Last week I checked my resting heart rate one morning before I got out of bed and it was 63, so that makes me happy (I tried a morning before that and it was 77 - what?) I hope that I can keep my fitness level up so when I start running again its not like starting over - I mean I'm going to have to get out and do 6 miles on Monday - after essentially having taken a 3-4 week break.
Last week I sat down and made some decisions regarding my diet/health. I've been feeling a little out of control with my eating/weight/life lately. Nothing extreme, but not incredibly self-controlled. I needed to add some self-discipline back into my world... everywhere. So I'm trying to do the following:
* Plant First (have to get back to this)
* Veggies for snacks - not snacks for snacks
* Eat a real dinner, not hodge podge, scrounging after the girls go to bed
* Water or tea or wine after dinner - no snacking
* When I eat, just eat... don't multi-task & eat
* No eating standing up or driving in a car
* Chew each bite 20 times
* Plan meals thoughtfully, do not forage for food. Even for lunch - have the entire meal made and plated before eating: do not eat one thing, go back to the kitchen for the next thing, etc. etc.
I think I've successfully gained 3 pounds that have stuck:) I would still like to get below 120 by the summer regional in June. Its definitely doable, but is it important enough to me? 125 is easy and good - I just have to decide that I want 120 badly enough and I haven't come to any conclusions yet.
Weight: 125.0
After the calf situation from last week, I've decided to take a little over a week off of running. I tried taping my calf up on Friday and running very, very slowly on the treadmill, but I could still feel some pain. I'm hoping that if I rest it sufficiently I'll still have a chance at running in the race. I'm going to take this week off and try again next Monday, if I haven't shot myself by then;)
One hour on the eliptical. I hate the eliptical. Hate it. I find it so intensely boring and I hate it. BUT. It is probably the best workout for me right now - I don't get my heart rate up high enough on the bike and I don't think I could do a whole hour on the stairmill without passing out. So eliptical it is - UGH.
Heart rate was up in the 140's - 150's for most of the workout. Last week I checked my resting heart rate one morning before I got out of bed and it was 63, so that makes me happy (I tried a morning before that and it was 77 - what?) I hope that I can keep my fitness level up so when I start running again its not like starting over - I mean I'm going to have to get out and do 6 miles on Monday - after essentially having taken a 3-4 week break.
Last week I sat down and made some decisions regarding my diet/health. I've been feeling a little out of control with my eating/weight/life lately. Nothing extreme, but not incredibly self-controlled. I needed to add some self-discipline back into my world... everywhere. So I'm trying to do the following:
* Plant First (have to get back to this)
* Veggies for snacks - not snacks for snacks
* Eat a real dinner, not hodge podge, scrounging after the girls go to bed
* Water or tea or wine after dinner - no snacking
* When I eat, just eat... don't multi-task & eat
* No eating standing up or driving in a car
* Chew each bite 20 times
* Plan meals thoughtfully, do not forage for food. Even for lunch - have the entire meal made and plated before eating: do not eat one thing, go back to the kitchen for the next thing, etc. etc.
I think I've successfully gained 3 pounds that have stuck:) I would still like to get below 120 by the summer regional in June. Its definitely doable, but is it important enough to me? 125 is easy and good - I just have to decide that I want 120 badly enough and I haven't come to any conclusions yet.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Workout: supposed to be 5 1/2 miles, was actually 3 miles
Weight: 125.2
I felt so good going into my workout this morning. My stomach problems feel like they're getting better (have been taking shots of apple cider vinegar 3x/day to help with it rather than taking the meds), my legs were feeling great, my mental attitude was where it needed to be. I was more than ready to do the 5 1/2 on the treadmill and was confident that I'd be able to run the entire thing again without taking any breaks. I was good.
And the run started off great. I got into a pretty easy rhythm with my music, I was feeling good. My heart rate was a little higher than I'd like - 174 - but I was going to get through it just fine. And then around mile 2 my calf was done. It started hurting and I knew it wasn't a good situation - that I shouldn't run through it because I'd make it worse and make my next two days miserable to walk on. I pushed myself to get to 3 miles - aerobically I was totally fine, but knew I shouldn't be running much more than that on my leg. So I stopped at 3 miles.
I basically decided that I won't be able to do the race. We have a month until the race and there is no way that I can keep running on this for the next month - this is different than my ankle pain and there is no way I can put as many miles in as I need to in the next month. And I don't believe that I can rest it enough to heal it and still maintain my fitness level and endurance for the race.
I think it is a muscle pull or strain and it happened while skiiing. I don't recall a specific injury, however, I know that at least on Thursday I was telling Cornbread that I wanted to go back because my calf hurt really bad. I felt this pain throughout the last couple of days skiing and have not given it a chance to heal at all.
So I'm going to go to Walgreens and get a wrap-around icepack and start icing it. There is really no way that I'm going to be able to rest it sufficiently... I mean I can stop running on it, but I still need to walk. So I'm going to have to figure out how to maintain my fitness level.
I'm also a bit upset because I just started sleeping better. I slept horribly in Colorado until the last couple of nights (I think the room was too hot) and I have not slept well at home because I didn't workout last week. The last few nights have finally been great, so I've got to figure something else out.
I'm going to do my circuits tomorrow and see how it goes. I really don't want to give up, but I don't want to make it worse either.
Weight: 125.2
I felt so good going into my workout this morning. My stomach problems feel like they're getting better (have been taking shots of apple cider vinegar 3x/day to help with it rather than taking the meds), my legs were feeling great, my mental attitude was where it needed to be. I was more than ready to do the 5 1/2 on the treadmill and was confident that I'd be able to run the entire thing again without taking any breaks. I was good.
And the run started off great. I got into a pretty easy rhythm with my music, I was feeling good. My heart rate was a little higher than I'd like - 174 - but I was going to get through it just fine. And then around mile 2 my calf was done. It started hurting and I knew it wasn't a good situation - that I shouldn't run through it because I'd make it worse and make my next two days miserable to walk on. I pushed myself to get to 3 miles - aerobically I was totally fine, but knew I shouldn't be running much more than that on my leg. So I stopped at 3 miles.
I basically decided that I won't be able to do the race. We have a month until the race and there is no way that I can keep running on this for the next month - this is different than my ankle pain and there is no way I can put as many miles in as I need to in the next month. And I don't believe that I can rest it enough to heal it and still maintain my fitness level and endurance for the race.
I think it is a muscle pull or strain and it happened while skiiing. I don't recall a specific injury, however, I know that at least on Thursday I was telling Cornbread that I wanted to go back because my calf hurt really bad. I felt this pain throughout the last couple of days skiing and have not given it a chance to heal at all.
So I'm going to go to Walgreens and get a wrap-around icepack and start icing it. There is really no way that I'm going to be able to rest it sufficiently... I mean I can stop running on it, but I still need to walk. So I'm going to have to figure out how to maintain my fitness level.
I'm also a bit upset because I just started sleeping better. I slept horribly in Colorado until the last couple of nights (I think the room was too hot) and I have not slept well at home because I didn't workout last week. The last few nights have finally been great, so I've got to figure something else out.
I'm going to do my circuits tomorrow and see how it goes. I really don't want to give up, but I don't want to make it worse either.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Workout: 5 1/2 miles
Weight: 125.2
Had a very difficult run at the gym today. I have felt great all weekend with no unusual pains or abdominal/GI issues from my run on Saturday. I haven't been feeling nauseous at all, however, I have been feeling like I'm (warning: TMI) burping a lot and burping up my food a lot. So I don't know what that is about.
Anyway, ran at the gym this morning and it was horrible. I had to take several breaks off of the treadmill because I felt like I was going to burp up my water. My heart rate was higher than it was prior to Colorado - 174-180 throughout. I was sweating an unusual amount as well. I am normally a very sweaty exerciser - sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one in the gym who is sweating - but today was unusual. I was sweating at 3 miles the way I was sweating at the end of my 9 mile treadmill run a few weeks ago. I got finished and I could have wrung out my shirt AND my shorts. Sweat was dripping off of my elbows. I know I'm a sweat-er, but at this short of a distance, I feel like that was excessive - especially since I didn't sweat that much at 5 miles before leaving on vacation.
So I don't know if I'm still fighting off a virus, if I've got a bit more going on than a virus (acid reflux possibly?) or if taking the better part of 3 weeks off of running has made this big of a difference. I feel like I'm starting from square one right now - fighting my way through every quarter of a mile to stay with it. I'm incredibly frustrated right now - I just want to feel good and to stop struggling through this.
Weight: 125.2
Had a very difficult run at the gym today. I have felt great all weekend with no unusual pains or abdominal/GI issues from my run on Saturday. I haven't been feeling nauseous at all, however, I have been feeling like I'm (warning: TMI) burping a lot and burping up my food a lot. So I don't know what that is about.
Anyway, ran at the gym this morning and it was horrible. I had to take several breaks off of the treadmill because I felt like I was going to burp up my water. My heart rate was higher than it was prior to Colorado - 174-180 throughout. I was sweating an unusual amount as well. I am normally a very sweaty exerciser - sometimes I wonder if I'm the only one in the gym who is sweating - but today was unusual. I was sweating at 3 miles the way I was sweating at the end of my 9 mile treadmill run a few weeks ago. I got finished and I could have wrung out my shirt AND my shorts. Sweat was dripping off of my elbows. I know I'm a sweat-er, but at this short of a distance, I feel like that was excessive - especially since I didn't sweat that much at 5 miles before leaving on vacation.
So I don't know if I'm still fighting off a virus, if I've got a bit more going on than a virus (acid reflux possibly?) or if taking the better part of 3 weeks off of running has made this big of a difference. I feel like I'm starting from square one right now - fighting my way through every quarter of a mile to stay with it. I'm incredibly frustrated right now - I just want to feel good and to stop struggling through this.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Workout: Long Run - 9 miles on schedule, actual: 9 1/2
Weight: 126.4
Aahhg - my weight is fluctuating like mad. On thursday I weighed 122.0. Friday - 125.2, today - 126.4. Whatever. I'm so used to the fluctuations that it doesn't bother me anymore. There is simply no way that I can gain that much in such a short time without it being water retention.
Ran outside today. Figured I'd be running in the rain, but it cleared up before I left. It was the hardest, worst run I have ever done. The wind was gusting 20-30 mph to the East my whole way home... and much of the way home was hills. I felt incredibly beat up - physically and mentally - by the end. There were times when I didn't know if I was actually moving forward because I was being blown back so hard. And the times that I was running N or S I felt like I was being pushed over. It was ridiculously hard and by the time I got past Alison (a street), any time I ran West I just gave up and walked. Even walking was difficult against the wind.
Cornbread said it was windy when he ran this morning, too. His winds were blowing N / S, so he did a mainly E/W route. I had no idea it was windy when I went out - the wind direction changed with the rain so they were blowing to the East. My route is also mainly E / W - East on the way out and West on the way back. I told him that either they weren't blowing as hard or his additional 10 inches in height and 65 lbs helped him. This was the first time I have questioned whether or not I could do this race.
I feel good now, though.
Pain difference today vs. previous long runs: My calves hurt in a different way than they did before skiing. They started hurthing like this in CO. My left calf was hurting a lot while I was running. In addition, my left top of my foot was hurting terribly, too. When I went to the podiatrist in December for my tendonitis in that ankle, he also noted that the bone on top of my foot, where the foot meets the shin/ankle (best way I can describe it... I'm talking about the top of the foot bone) has chipped off and is hanging out there. He asked if it bothered me and at the time it did from time to time, but nothing to bad. It hurt really badly today while I was running. So thats great.
I ate some caffeine jelly beans around mile 7. Not sure if they helped or not because I was running against the wind. I'm sure they did. I would like to try some other stuff - I feel like those would be pretty cumbersome to eat WHILE running (I ate them while I was walking against the wind). There were about 20 in the package, which ended up taking too long to eat. Perhaps I need to try some Gu. I will go on a mission this week to find something.
Did not take my water bottle/fanny pack because Cornbread said the drinking fountain at the park at wolf/151st was working. I assumed the fountain at Kingston Hills would also be working, but apparently Homer Glen hasn't turned theirs on yet. So I only got a drink halfway through. Not a great situation either.
Feeling good so far tonight. Hoping that my quads and calves are killing me tomorrow. Definitely ready for Easter Brunch!
Weight: 126.4
Aahhg - my weight is fluctuating like mad. On thursday I weighed 122.0. Friday - 125.2, today - 126.4. Whatever. I'm so used to the fluctuations that it doesn't bother me anymore. There is simply no way that I can gain that much in such a short time without it being water retention.
Ran outside today. Figured I'd be running in the rain, but it cleared up before I left. It was the hardest, worst run I have ever done. The wind was gusting 20-30 mph to the East my whole way home... and much of the way home was hills. I felt incredibly beat up - physically and mentally - by the end. There were times when I didn't know if I was actually moving forward because I was being blown back so hard. And the times that I was running N or S I felt like I was being pushed over. It was ridiculously hard and by the time I got past Alison (a street), any time I ran West I just gave up and walked. Even walking was difficult against the wind.
Cornbread said it was windy when he ran this morning, too. His winds were blowing N / S, so he did a mainly E/W route. I had no idea it was windy when I went out - the wind direction changed with the rain so they were blowing to the East. My route is also mainly E / W - East on the way out and West on the way back. I told him that either they weren't blowing as hard or his additional 10 inches in height and 65 lbs helped him. This was the first time I have questioned whether or not I could do this race.
I feel good now, though.
Pain difference today vs. previous long runs: My calves hurt in a different way than they did before skiing. They started hurthing like this in CO. My left calf was hurting a lot while I was running. In addition, my left top of my foot was hurting terribly, too. When I went to the podiatrist in December for my tendonitis in that ankle, he also noted that the bone on top of my foot, where the foot meets the shin/ankle (best way I can describe it... I'm talking about the top of the foot bone) has chipped off and is hanging out there. He asked if it bothered me and at the time it did from time to time, but nothing to bad. It hurt really badly today while I was running. So thats great.
I ate some caffeine jelly beans around mile 7. Not sure if they helped or not because I was running against the wind. I'm sure they did. I would like to try some other stuff - I feel like those would be pretty cumbersome to eat WHILE running (I ate them while I was walking against the wind). There were about 20 in the package, which ended up taking too long to eat. Perhaps I need to try some Gu. I will go on a mission this week to find something.
Did not take my water bottle/fanny pack because Cornbread said the drinking fountain at the park at wolf/151st was working. I assumed the fountain at Kingston Hills would also be working, but apparently Homer Glen hasn't turned theirs on yet. So I only got a drink halfway through. Not a great situation either.
Feeling good so far tonight. Hoping that my quads and calves are killing me tomorrow. Definitely ready for Easter Brunch!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Catch-up on the week:
Ran on Monday and felt horrible. Came home and found Cornbread in bed telling me that he felt the same as I did. We hung out on the couches all day doing nothing. I kind of felt like he was being a bigger baby than I was because I was fighting through it and at least getting up to take care of the girls when needed.
Tuesday, I skipped my workout because I didn't feel like going to the gym early in the morning and the girls were on spring break so i couldn't go in the afternoon.
Wednesday, I got up to go running. Changed my clothes. Felt a little off - like my stomach was just not quite right, but debated about running through it. Didn't feel much different than Monday morning and I ran through that. I really debated because I had missed two whole weeks of training and I didn't want to miss more. Ultimately decided to go back to bed... which was a good decision because within minutes I was terribly sick. Spent the first half of the day on the couch downstairs and threw up every time I moved. It was horrible. The second half of the day was spent in bed with the fever aches - knees, ankles, lower back, wrists, hips, etc. It was an awful day.
Thursday morning was my birthday and I felt awesome!!! Especially compared to the day before:) I skipped my workout because I hadn't wanted to set my alarm to go to the gym that morning because when I went to bed the night before I wasn't sure how I'd feel when I woke up. So another day off (can't say I missed those circuits all that much;)
Friday, skipped again - same as Tuesday... have to say, I'm not terribly motivated to get those weight training workouts completed and I need to change that. Felt like I had a nervous stomach all day. Cornbread said he thinks I was still getting over the flu. I hope that is it because I'm sick of feeling "not quite right"... felt that way 2 weeks before vacation, felt totally fine on vacation and now this week has not been great.
Today I have a 9 mile run on the schedule and I've planned a 9.2 mile route, which I'm sure I'll turn into 9.5 miles by completing our horseshoe street at the end instead of cutting it in half. It is raining now and I have to wait until this afternoon when Cornbread gets home from the office. I WILL run outside today even in the rain... I am NOT doing this on the treadmill - ick:) I also bought a fanny pack to hold some water and some energy jelly beans, so hopefully that will make a difference. I've had 32oz of water already this morning and am going to do my best to drink a bunch more before I go out.
Ran on Monday and felt horrible. Came home and found Cornbread in bed telling me that he felt the same as I did. We hung out on the couches all day doing nothing. I kind of felt like he was being a bigger baby than I was because I was fighting through it and at least getting up to take care of the girls when needed.
Tuesday, I skipped my workout because I didn't feel like going to the gym early in the morning and the girls were on spring break so i couldn't go in the afternoon.
Wednesday, I got up to go running. Changed my clothes. Felt a little off - like my stomach was just not quite right, but debated about running through it. Didn't feel much different than Monday morning and I ran through that. I really debated because I had missed two whole weeks of training and I didn't want to miss more. Ultimately decided to go back to bed... which was a good decision because within minutes I was terribly sick. Spent the first half of the day on the couch downstairs and threw up every time I moved. It was horrible. The second half of the day was spent in bed with the fever aches - knees, ankles, lower back, wrists, hips, etc. It was an awful day.
Thursday morning was my birthday and I felt awesome!!! Especially compared to the day before:) I skipped my workout because I hadn't wanted to set my alarm to go to the gym that morning because when I went to bed the night before I wasn't sure how I'd feel when I woke up. So another day off (can't say I missed those circuits all that much;)
Friday, skipped again - same as Tuesday... have to say, I'm not terribly motivated to get those weight training workouts completed and I need to change that. Felt like I had a nervous stomach all day. Cornbread said he thinks I was still getting over the flu. I hope that is it because I'm sick of feeling "not quite right"... felt that way 2 weeks before vacation, felt totally fine on vacation and now this week has not been great.
Today I have a 9 mile run on the schedule and I've planned a 9.2 mile route, which I'm sure I'll turn into 9.5 miles by completing our horseshoe street at the end instead of cutting it in half. It is raining now and I have to wait until this afternoon when Cornbread gets home from the office. I WILL run outside today even in the rain... I am NOT doing this on the treadmill - ick:) I also bought a fanny pack to hold some water and some energy jelly beans, so hopefully that will make a difference. I've had 32oz of water already this morning and am going to do my best to drink a bunch more before I go out.
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