3

Did 3 on the treadmill today. Was ok, I did the 2 and 1 incline but I walked a mile of it. I have to say I'm noticing this new muscular cut on my legs, its awesome. Not sure if its because I've been running more frequently or if its the swimming. But I'll take it!

Today went swimmingly

Because I swam a mile. I have to say I really do prefer swimming to running these days. Its just easier on the body, lower impact, ya know? And, I think it burns more calories. Swimming a mile takes me about 45 minutes.

I fought through four

And I mean fought. It was a real bitch today. I swear something is wrong with me. I slept about 10 hours, woke and laid on the couch for three, then slept for another two. Then finally made it to the gym. Anyway, I got my four in this week.

Mari, I think that sounds like a good training plan until your bod gets used to going outside.

Okay, so I did my four miles today on the treadmill, which is what I had on my training schedule. I did the first mile at no incline, the second two miles at .5 and the last mile at 1. SO, in an effort to solve my little "outside" problem, I tried to pay really close attention to my body during the run, and at what points it felt harder and easier, etc. And I found that right around 2.5 miles was when it was pretty difficult (coincidentally, the time I have been typically throwing in the towel on my outside runs), but then if I can just stick it out, I get that really good endorphin or whatever rush right around the three mile mark, that point where my body says "oh, okay so you are going to keep on doing this even though I told you to stop, okay then, here's some help", you know that point? Well, anyways, so I am going to try really hard to keep that in mind on my next outside run, which is on Thursday, I am supposed to do three miles.

So, then, on the way home from the gym, I was driving through my neighborhood and realized that there was a block that was pretty level, and I realized that I could just measure that "loop" and I drove it and I there aren't any major hills, just small slopes. One of the loops is .4 miles, so if I do eight of those, that is 3.2 miles. SO, I am REALLY hoping that will resolve my little problem of the damn hills. And I'm not too worried about it being too boring, since I am the same person who walked ten miles on the treadmill during my last training for the race in Phoenix. AND, I think it will be helpful to be in my neighborhood, where it is relatively quiet and no traffic whizzing by me, making me more apt to focus on making sure I am safe and the dog is safe, and just generally distracting me.

So, we'll see.

Tomorrow I have 45 minutes of the bike. Then treadmill during lunch on Tuesday and then three miles outside on Thursday morning. And speaking of which, on my training calendar that I made up for myself, I put down the times that I am going to do the runs, you know? So, I was putting on there for Thursday mornings that I am supposed to do a three mile run "upon waking." And Chris has not stopped making fun of me for this....going on a week now. Is it as funny as he is saying? Because I am really not thinking so.

Not only did I NOT GO . . .

But I sat on the couch and ate a whole totinos pizza and cookie dough last night. Good times. I felt really wrecked after this thing with dad. But I'm feeling better today after 10 hours sleep.

still haven't gone

I am still in such a state of emotional upheaval that I haven't been able to get myself out there. I know it will help with the mental stress if I run, but as usual the logic doesn't matter when I can't get out of bed in the morning. Xanax for breakfast, yeah!
I'll get back there eventually. I'm taking my running clothes to Pinetop and see if I can get out there even if it's just for a mile.

Crappity Crap Crap

Well, I did my four on Tuesday and then I did three outside today, but it still didn't go very well. You guys, it's the big hills, I just can't seem to do this. I ended up walking the last half mile or so, I had to do this big hill on the way back home and it just wore me out and I just don't know what to do. It's very discouraging and not very much fun at this point.

Also, it just seems so easy outside to just stop running and start walking instead. I don't know what my problem is, but I'm not feeling very good about things right now.

One

You heard that. One mile. That's what I accomplished today. I was pissy and angry on my way to the gym, and as is often the case, I consoled myself with the notion that as long as I go and get on the treadmill I can quit whenever I want. Sometimes on those days I have great runs. On occasion I have very bad runs. Today was a bad day, although I half expected it to be a great one. I only attempted my 11 min pace for a few minutes before dropping down to 12, and then I started walking after a half mile. I walked the next half and then decided to call it a day. And I was ok with that. I try to listen to my body. And, I didn't have my ipod so I was trying to watch TV, so I was never able to get into my rhythm.

I think this is the problem I have with training for events and why I get resentful and frustrated. Because when I think about running and know I have to go 6 or 10 miles, and its most likely going to involve some level of pain, its just really hard to take that first step. Thats why my philosophy of "you win if you go, no matter how far" has always worked well for me.

Anyway. Back at it Thursday.

crosstraining

I swam a mile last night. It was good although I am ravenously hungry this morning. I think most marathon training guides recommend a day of crosstraining every week so Mari its a good thing you're doing on the bike. Now that my tat is healed up I'm probably going to try to swim once a week.

Well

I did get 3 in last week because I went last night at 9:00 when I got home. I did 3.5 outside. I did that again this afternoon but had a much harder time. I'm not sure why Sunday running seems to be hard for me, probably its because I get too much rest. I slept until 9 today and then took a nap from 11:30 - 12:30. I have grown quite fond of my naps.

One of the things I love about running as a hobby is that you get the opportunity to do events in all different cities!! I'd be totally down for Phily. Nashville was awesome too. And I hear great things about the San Diego half, its in June.

Did my 45 minutes on the bike this morning (14 miles).

Also, just FYI, I have instructed Chris that his job for this race is to locate the 11.5 mile point on the course and park himself there until all three of us pass. The way I see it, that is when we need the cheering on, not at the finish line, am I right? And if I am remembering correctly, mile 11 was when there was NOBODY there, not even strangers, during the last race and it was when I wanted to quit the most.

Also, just to put a bug in everyone's ear, there is a Rock N Roll Marathon in Philadelphia. This year it is scheduled on September 19th, so I am assuming it will be sometime around that time next year as well. And Philadelphia is on my list of cities that I really REALLY want to visit, so I propose that we start planning NOW to do the Philadelphia half in 2011! We could go up there for the week or at least a few days prior to the race and see all the cool sites!

Okay

Okay, I did four at the gym today (it is REALLY windy out today, I was absolutely NOT willing to attempt an outside run), half at a .5 incline. So, feel good enough about that.

I have made myself up a training schedule through the end of August, which gets my training runs up to 8 miles. I decided to see what happens up to then, rather than plan all the way through to the race.

And I am now..... registered. Do you guys know we are going to get a "heavy medal" medal? Since we are completing two of these fuckers in one calendar year! WOOT!

Did four at the gym yesterday at work. I did not do an incline of any sort. I had some really good reason for this at the time, but now I can't remember what it was......

3.5

and sweatin like a hog. Went outside. Right calf cramping, started last night. Not good.

gah!

I did my usual 2.3 mile route this morning and my knee is killing me. I did too much too fast. I iced it all morning here at work and took some advil. The advil made it better which makes me think it's muscular, which is good. I guess I had better take tomorrow off... or just walk, no running. What do you guys think? Which is better, taking the day off, or walking?

Rockin Four

Did four at the gym and pretty damn good! Did just better than 11 min/mi pace except for when I walked half of the last mile. I was feeling really sluggish and its funny how it happens that you sometimes have a great run when you feel the worst. Of course, sometimes you have a god-awful run when you feel the worst too. Last Sunday for example.

Went four at the gym, on the treadmill. I tried to do the incline, but my shins were really fussing at me when I did that, so I went ahead and did it just flat. I am thinking I might be doing it backwards though, with doing the incline at the beginning, I think on Tuesday I am going to try doing the first mile flat and then the next three miles at an incline, that way I am warmed up and stuff.

success!!

I didn't run all week, but I mostly made up for it today. I did 5 miles, and they were 15 minute 12 second miles. I am really encouraged by this since I am back up to 218 lbs. and have been eating shit and didn't run all week! Maybe now I can get back on track. I have been eating and eating and eating my stress. Hopefully this job will be official soon and it will ease up! Teaching is hardest during these last few weeks of school so I am exhausted at the end of every day and stressed beyond belief. So I eat.
Anyhoo I am proud of myself today.

Well, I haven't done SHIT! I was supposed to run Thursday and chose instead to impress an important person at work. I was supposed to run on Friday but was way too tired, since I was putting in a 12 hour day at work. And now today, we have Rachael's volleyball game and then we are supposed to go to a Rockies game. I suppose I could fit running in-between, but I really don't want to go, so we'll have to see what happens. Bottom line: I have only exercised once this week so far and will only get a maximum of twice, if I go today.

This is no way to train for a half marathon!

Update: Rather than running, walking or working out in any way, I made cookies, ate about a bazillion of them and then fell asleep on the couch. Seriously, when is that race? I gotta get this shit together.

3 at lunch

Took it a little easy today because I pushed pretty hard yesterday. And, that's my four this week.

"If you fall for me
I'm not easy to please
Tell you from the start
I'm only gonna break break break your heart"

Four at lunch

and pretty good! I even did 1/4 mi at a 10 min/mi pace, did most of the rest at 11 min/mi except for the last mile which I mostly walked. But still.

Well, since it turns out that it is harder to run outside than it is on a treadmill (a fact that nobody bothered telling ME), today I did my four miles, and I did the first two at a 1.0 incline, the second two I did with no incline. I don't want to hurt myself or anything. But it was definitely harder and really bordered on being not very much fun, if you know what I am saying. I will do the same thing on Thursday and my plan is to have a shorter run on Saturday. I'll perhaps try three miles or even two and a half miles. I bought a camelback sort of thing at Costco over the weekend, so the water issue is solved. But the hills....... that issue still looms large.

3 at gym

last night. Had to cut it off because I had to go pick up K from cheer tryouts. Did some pretty good pace work and walked some. I'm not sure if its better to run faster with walk breaks, or run slow and run the whole thing.

Yuk

I did 3.5 this morning and I wanted to go outside but I waited too long so it was kind of hot when I went. So I didn't do real well. But I went.

whew

I did a rough 4 miles. I did a route that is either uphill or downhill the whole way. It's good for training but I wasn't ready for it yet. I ran/walked the whole way but I quit a little shy of 4 miles. It reminded me why I don't like taking 2 days off in a row. My muscles complain too much! My knee was hurting a little by the end. It was a little warm, but not too bad. When I got home I drank an Odwalla protein drink, which turns out to be a bad idea. All the research says to drink protein within 20 minutes after the run but it made me so sick, it's all I can do to keep it down. Yuck.
There is a new song by Eminem and Nate Dogg called 'Till I Collapse and it was awesome to run to.
Sandy?

Awful Awful

I had a miserable first run outside! I only walk/ran the first two miles, and then I had to turn around and I was having to go into the wind and I could barely even walk into that wind, much less run into it. It was awful and cold cold cold. My hands and face were numb they were so cold, so at some point, I texted Chris and told him to come and pick me up! It was just awful. And the HILLS! I am really not sure I can do this. I am going to just have to find a flatter route or something.

I am really questioning the wisdom of this whole thing in Denver. The weather is just so freakin' unpredictable! What if it is snowing? What if it is windy and cold and miserable like it was today?

Did four yesterday. It was fine. Going for my first outdoors run tomorrow, but today I am off! Back down to 203.4 this morning, just in time for Mother's Day feasting.

Pretty decent 3.5

hit the gym at lunch today and was rather pissed about it on the way there, but I had a pretty darn good run. I ran the whole 2 uphill and then walked/ran the last 1.5. That's 4 for me this week.

3.5

I was really gonna do 4 so I could say I'm keeping up with Mari, but . . . I was on the treadmill last night and it really sucked. I really picked up my pace the first two miles (which I do at 2% and 1% incline respectively) so I was pretty wiped for the flat part and ended up walking a lot of it. But hey, I've got 3 in this week. Going to Suns playoff game tonight . . . Woot!!

OUCH

I did 2.3 again this morning, 30 seconds faster than yesterday. My right knee is really complaining. I must have been compensating without knowing it because my right hamstring is sore too. I'm trying to focus on protein - I bought some Odwalla strawberry super-protein drinks - but I haven't had much of an appetite these past few days. Probably the allergy medicine I've been taking. I am going to take tomorrow off and see if that helps my knee. I might try icing it tonight too.
Marianne your math wasn't hard. You just make the miles per hour into miles per minute by dividing the mph by 60. Then multiply the miles per minute by the number of minutes you did that activity. Or I can keep doing it for you. :)

so far so good

I did 2.3 again this morning, and did it about 1 1/2 minutes faster than yesterday. So that was encouraging! Will do the same again tomorrow, goddess willing. Planning on 4 this weekend and let the training begin!! Woohoo!!

Math please

Went four miles today at work. Time 57:57. I am walking at 3.8 mile pace, running at 4.5 mile pace.

Missy, if I start out walking four minutes and end up walking four minutes and I am running four minutes, and with the paces above, how much of my workout am I walking and what proportion am I running?

Back at it ladies!!!!

I had an awesome run last night for the first time in a long time. I ran almost the whole 3.5 and did it in just over 11 min miles. I think a big factor was that I wore my sport watch and timed myself. That seems to provide a real motivation, as my goal is to get down to 10 min miles for the shorter runs. It really spurred me to keep running when I probably would have started walking.

Also, I reviewed my exercise log for the past three months and was disappointed to see I've only been going 9-10 times a month. That's only 2-3 times a week! So I need to buckle down on that too, and make sure I'm getting in 3-4 times per week.

I went

I did about 2.3 successfully this morning. I am pretty sore because I spent a few hours yesterday pulling weeds, and the day before that I did the protest march against the new immigration law. I am going to get some protein shakes and drink one in the afternoon to see if that will help my night time binges.
Cross your fingers for me, that I can get up and go again tomorrow.

ridiculous 3.5

I'm kindof appalled at myself that I didn't exercise at all yesterday. I have no excuse to offer even. I just didn't go. But this morning I did 3.5 on the road, and it was a ridiculous 3.5 in that I only ran about 2 of it. I got this awful lung burn and I pretty much just gave up. But at least I went.

I'm in for Denver too!!! Woot!!

I sampled that Jai Hai song and, uh, yuk! But I just bought Beautiful World, thanks for the suggestion. I love Wannabe and I still have it on my list.

I've been mostly listening to Zac Brown band CD, Miranda Lambert's latest CD and Lady Antebellum. Lady Antebellum has a good old one called "love don't live here anymore" that I love. Miranda Lambert has White Liar and also one that goes "we're just like you, only prettier" that makes me laugh every time.

Missy, I'm so glad you are going to try to do the Denver half! Yay!

I will try some of those songs. Some of them on your list I already have on mine.

I did the bike for 45 minutes today. No big deal. My plan for the week is to run Tuesday and Thursday and then do my first outdoors run on Saturday. I am ordering the interval timer thing that Missy has. And yes, all my running thus far has been treadmill running. I am rather anxious about running outside, for any number of ridiculous reasons, but I'm going to do it this Saturday.

I'll try again

I am going to register for the Denver Rock N Roll on May 13th. There is a discount of $13 that day if you use coupon code lucky13. So I am going to go ahead and do that. Yeah.
I have really been struggling with my bipolar disorder. For the last month I have been going from mania to depression every 4 days or so. Ever since I took that antibiotic that cured my lung infection, it's been bad. My paranoia kicks into high gear, then I feel worthless, etc. Drinking way too much. Finally called the doctor and he increased my dose of mood stabilizer. So we will see how that goes. I know in my head that running will help, yet every morning I wake up and try to make myself go, and I can't. Even when I am manic. So that is where I am. I haven't run since my last post. There has to be a way I can make myself go! Starting tomorrow.
I will list my favorite running songs but I don't want any crap about them! :P Some of them are incredibly annoying at any other time, but hit the spot when I am getting fatigued and need a boost. Mari I listened to Jai Ho last summer and I played it so much that I got sick of it and now I forward every time it comes on. It was most excellent to run to. Another song from that movie that is good to run to is Paper Planes by M.I.A.

Ghost Town - Shiny Toy Guns (current favorite)
Bourgeois Shangri-La - Miss Li
Wait A Minute - The Pussycat Dolls
U + Ur Hand - P!nk
So What - P!nk
Wannabe - Spice Girls
Thrash Unreal - Against Me!
Womanizer - Britney Spears
Lose Yourself - Eminem
Circus - Britney Spears
Hard to Handle - Black Crowes
Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves
Suddenly I See - K.T. Tunstall
Gives You Hell - The All-American Rejects
Man! I Feel Like A Woman - Shania Twain
Goody Two-Shoes - Adam Ant
Strip - Adam Ant
Waking Up In Vegas - Katy Perry

Four miles today at the gym, did it in 58:53. So, that's pretty okay with me. Today I feel like I can probably do that half.

Hey, I need running music!!! PLEASE! Tell me what you are running to lately!

I have been totally in love with running to that song Jai Ho. I highly recommend it. And I have been loving cooling down to Beautiful World (We're All Here) by Jim Brickman and Adam Crossley. It makes me cry.

Anyhoodle, where the hell is everyone? Are you guys planning on doing the Denver Rock N Roll? The deadline for the cheaper registration is May 31.