Thursday, June 30, 2011

I'm gonna be the last one standing...

Haha! From that song "Dynamite", which is a very silly song but it reminds me of DW, it's one of his favorites, and so it stays on my playlist.

I finished up my Juneathon adventure today! WOOT! Finished strong too! I did 3 miles today at 2W/1R intervals, and I was really wiped at the end! I couldn't figure out why it was so hard, but then I looked at my time and realized why. Total time was 35:42, 11:55/mile, which is pretty dang fast for those intervals. Yesterday I was doing more running and was significantly slower, so I was just working hard today, I suppose.

I suppose it is only fair to mention that Chris also made it through Juneathon. Well, he hasn't technically made it yet, but he has a hike scheduled with his hiking club tonight, so he will definitely be getting it done. Yay for Chris! Yay for me!

Also, something funny, we have a hike scheduled tomorrow as well, so while I won't be running tomorrow, I will be doing something, and I'm not exactly sure when I am going to do my first rest day, since I am off work now until Tuesday and I find it really difficult these days to NOT work out if I am off for the day. Maybe Tuesday will be a rest day. Well, and tomorrow will pretty much be, because we are going to hike, but only like three miles, and we'll have to go slow because the kids will be with us.

Juneathon Stats:

Outside Running (run/walk at various intervals) = 48.18 miles
Treadmill Running = 29.75 miles
Walking Only = 4 miles
Elliptical = 4 miles
Total Miles Moved in June = 85.93 Miles

I am honestly a bit stunned looking at that number. Especially since almost 78 miles of it was running.

Great Goddess.... I'm going to go lie down now.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Fiber makes me sad

So does a 90-degree yoga room. I sweated my proverbial kahonas off in yoga tonight. It was damn swampy in there!! And there were 7 dudes there. A veritable plethora of aromas abounded. I'm exhausted. But at peace. That title is from a Fiber One commercial btw, makes me laugh every time.

1.9

Time was 24:25, 12:52/mile. I knew I wasn't doing as well today, but I didn't realize it was that bad! Oh well. I did mess up one of my intervals and ended up walking through most of it because I was distracted by another runner who was running with two dogs that didn't look particularly trustworthy, so I was busy making sure we got past them safely and missed the interval timer alarm (see? see how the dog slows me down?).

But truthfully, I also had a couple of pear ciders last night (a side effect of hanging around with the sister who is currently visiting, I've dubbed it Laurieitis) so I woke up with a bit of a headache and more than a bit of reluctance to do anything at all.

It got done, and only one more to go!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

One more down, two more to go

2.6 miles outside. Did 2.5R/1W intervals. I am going to start noting in my log whether or not I have had the dog with me on the runs, because I have a theory that he slows me down. Today I did not have him, my time was 30:41, 11:49/mile. The last time I did that well was a week ago, and I can't remember if I had the dog or not.


Monday, June 27, 2011

Here we come to a turning of the seasons

That's from a real cool song called "Don't Carry It All" by the Decemberists.  And yea verily, the seasons have changed here in Phoenix.  I really shouldn't complain, as June has been most mild and lovely here in the Valley of the Sun, but the last two weekends have been downright brutal.  It was 112 F here yesterday.  The heat always gets me grumpy and sucks my energy; thus my best efforts to run on the hamster wheel in the air-conditioned gym.  I slept like hell last night and there was just no draggin my ass outta bed at 6am, which is the latest possible moment this time of year (unless you're nutso and actually run in the 90 degree temperatures at 7am!!).  So, I went to the gym today at lunch and got in 2.5 miles.  Sigh.  And as Mari has publicly committed to half-assedly training for the Vegas half marathon, I shall publicly commit to haf-assedly thinking about maybe training for it at some point in the future.  That's half-assedly mind you. 

4 Slow-Ass Miles

on the treadmill. time was 53:40, but i enjoyed every minute of it, which i think is really saying something at this stage of the game.

ingrown toenail update: it is getting better. only hurts a tiny bit now. i haven't poked around my groin, but i'm guessing that's better too, since the pain isn't keeping me awake.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

There aint no moral to this story at all

and everything I tell you very well could be a lie. - RCPM

The ugly truth on this day is that I only did 1.5 miles on the hamster wheel. I was late to drop the kids off and couldn't make myself go, then couldn't make myself stay. And still can't make myself care. Hell, it got done.

3.75

For the long. It was kind of awful. My time was 46:27, 12:23/mile and I am surprised I did that well, given how miserable I felt. I tried to dig out that stupid toenail yesterday, and I couldn't get it since my toe is too swollen, and I appear to have made everything worse. Last night, I couldn't sleep, I was hot and my right upper leg was really sore (it is my right toe that is all nasty). I thought I must have somehow injured my hip flexor or something. Anyway, so this morning I investigate further and it turns out the gland near my groin is swollen like a freakin' golf ball and it HURTS!!! My toe seems to be feeling better since yesterday, but I am certain that fighting off the toe infection is what is making my gland all swollen and painful. I should probably go to the doctor, but I just took some ibuprofen and I'm sure I will be okay.

Anyways, this does not bode well for my half-hearted training!

Stats for the week:

Treadmill Running: 5 miles
Outside Running: 14.25
Total Miles Moved: 19.25


Saturday, June 25, 2011

I don't wanna be

anything other than what I been tryin to be lately
- Gavin Rossdale

2.5 mi on tready today. I must say my pants are a little saggy in the arse lately.

Only Five Left

Only five more runs to complete the Juneathon..... my god, I am tired. I did 2.5 today outside, 2.5R/1W intervals, time was 29:49, 11:56/mile.

Tomorrow I plan to do my "long", and I plan on making it 3.75 miles, which will be long for me, since Juneathon has resulted in some very short runs, and now I'm not used to doing more than 3 miles at a stretch. Plus, I am half-heartedly beginning to train for the Vegas RnR Half in December. I say half-heartedly, because I am not entirely committed to it yet, but I figure I will start making my Sunday runs long runs and see what happens. I also found a 10K that looks good, it is on August 21st. My fitness goals for the year were to do two of those 10K races before doing the next half marathon, so I feel good about at least making plans to progress on those goals.

Ingrown toenail update: still hurts. I'll have to see if I can dig it out some time soon.


Friday, June 24, 2011

3.0

I know how fascinated everyone must have been with my ingrown toenail post, so I'll make sure and give you and update. It still hurts.

I did three miles outside today. 2.5R/1W intervals, and it was fairly good. Time was 36:02, 12:02/mile.

I had a great debate in my head this morning about whether to go outside or on the treadmill. I have a rather stressful appointment at work today and I thought it might be good to do a nice treadmill run afterwards, but then I thought it might also be good to go running in the morning, to help stay relaxed and focused for the stressful appointment. In the end, my desire to just get it over with won out and I went outside before work. Of course, if I was really hard core, I would just do both, but I am not that crazy. Yet.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

2.5

Outside. Time was 30:25, 12:10/mile. I have an ingrown toenail. It hurts.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Peace and Love

I did 75 min of yoga tonight. It erased almost all the animosity in my heart. Almost.

3 Tready

I'm sick of this. Not only of just running every day, but blogging every day. I'm glad we are almost done!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Throw your soul through every open door

What a cool line!! (that's from Adele) I really want to do a better job of living my life that way.  I always play it safe and stick to what I'm good at.  I was out of my comfort zone this morning though, getting out for a run at 6:20 am.  I did 3 miles, first half felt okay, second half was pretty damn hot.  But I feel good today and glad to have it outta the way.  I was counting my days of exercise this month and it turns out for Juneathon I'll have fewer days than any other month this year.  So suck on that Juneathon!!!  LOL. 

2.5

Did 2.5 outside this morning, time was 29:18, 11:44/mile. It was a good run, and I'm glad I got it over with early so I don't have to think about it the rest of the day. Only nine more days left!!!

Monday, June 20, 2011

2 Tready

I forgot my damn ipod today, I was so mad at myself! I did it, though, but all I could tolerate was two miles! And I went really slow! It was pouring rain here in the morning, so going outside wasn't an option (well, I guess it was an option, and Chris was all "if you were a real Juneathon warrior you would go anyway", but I told him I never claimed to be a warrior of any sort).

I do have to say that Chris has been doing Juneathon informally (since he doesn't blog or log), and he hasn't given up yet...... but we shall see!

Let's squeeze every drop outta this machine

That's RCPM again folks!  And that's what I did at the gym today at lunch.  I did 3 miles at normal inclines, and for the last mile I tried the 2.5:1 run/walk ratio that Mari uses.  And I have to say, I liked it!  When I was running I ran at 10 min/mi pace, and it was a lot easier to run that fast knowing that I have a rest break coming up.  And the last stretch I did at 9 min pace.  Time ended up at 35:25.  And I was beat. 

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Just a little hungover you

That's a song by RCPM and also how I was feeling on the treadmill this morning. Had one too many glasses of wine last night. But it got done friends.

3.3 Outside

A good run, beautiful weather here in Colorado. I did 3.3 miles, total time was 39:58, 12:08/mile. I did 2.5R/1W intervals. I was thinking the other day that for my next half marathon (should I decide to do one), I will train on these intervals, but then do the actual race at 2R/1W intervals, so it will feel all "easy", and maybe I will have a good race.

Anyways, I gotta make biscuits and gravy for the dad in the house, give him his beer themed gift box of assorted stuff, and then it's off to the pool!

Stats for the Week:

Treadmill Miles: 7.5
Outside Miles: 7.15
Elliptical: 4
Total Miles Moved: 18.65

Stats for Juneathon To Date:

Treadmill Miles: 20.75
Outside Miles: 26.43
Walking Miles: 4
Elliptical: 4
Total Miles Moved So Far: 55.18


Saturday, June 18, 2011

I will stand by you

That's Rascal flatts (and probably 100 other songs). I forgot my ipod at the gym this morning so this was the song running through my head during my slow and easy 2 mi treadmill jog. I'm standing by me and not beating myself up for taking this last week off. I just don't want to work that hard and I've had a bit of an exercise rebellion. I did go to N Cal again for work this week but I was in a nice hotel this time so I was not as inclined to get out of my room as I was last time when I stayed in a shithole and ran every day.

This may be the only opportunity that I got!

2.59 miles outside today. Time was 32:12, 12:25/mile. I ended up doing 2R/1W intervals and it was really, really a great run! Just goes to show you that if you just keep slogging through the times when it sucks, it will get better.

The title of the post (from the classic Eminem song) comes because I was thinking today on my run about how there will come a time when I simply will not be physically capable of doing four miles on the elliptical and then twelve hours later doing a two and a half mile run outside, regardless of what intervals I do. There will come a time when I simply have to have more recovery time than that. So, today I was feeling very thankful for my run and my relative youth, in that it gives me the ability to do what I was doing. And right when I was thinking that, I noticed a drop of sweat splashing down from my inner elbow onto the sidewalk. So, I said a quick prayer "my sweat and tears, offered to the Earth Mother, in gratitude for my health." Man, I love running!

Friday, June 17, 2011

4 Miles Elliptical

Man, today was another day at work when I could not get time to go! So, I came home, changed and ran to the gym (well, drove to the gym if you are going to be all fussy about it). I must say the elliptical was a refreshing change from all this damn running! So, now I need to "re-set" myself to get back to a morning schedule for runs/workouts instead of this evening thing I have going now, and since I can't take a rest day, which is what I would normally do in this situation (because of god@$n mother#$@*ing Juneathon), I am just going to have to go tomorrow morning and take it really easy. I am thinking I'll do 2/2 intervals or something. Plus, I have to get it done in the morning tomorrow, since I have about ten thousand errands to run before I have to go BACK in to work, since despite being terribly busy this week, I did not get done some things that really must get done!

It's all good though, Chris is coming home tomorrow morning, and will be home for the next three weeks or so before the next business trip, so I can get back to my usual fart around for an hour or so and still having time to run mornings.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Just when I thought it wasn't going to be harder

Today was a day at work that I didn't even have time to pee, much less get down to the treadmill. It was just like that today. So, I got home and before I even let myself sit down, I put on my running clothes, and headed out the door.

Into a huge windstorm. I get like two minutes in, and the wind is so bad, and then it starts raining. I was planning to do two miles, but I take this as a sign to beat it home as quickly as possible, and I cut it short. The wind continues to get worse, and I swear at one point the dog was lifted off the ground! Grit was flying around in our eyes and mouths, and we were having to avoid debris blowing everywhere. At one point, I looked up and thought the stupid clouds were looking kind of twisty like and I thought I was going to be mowed down by a tornado or something! It was awful!

Anyhoodle, 1.26 miles, time was 16:56. I ran some of it, walked most of it, and frankly, I can't believe it got done today.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

2 Tready

God, what a miserable run. I really had to talk myself into it today, haven't had an argument with myself like that for a while! I'm glad I'm halfway through this thing!

2 miles treadmill, time was 26:30.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

2.5 Tready

Miles on the treadmill. Time was 30:03. Does this count as a blog post?

Monday, June 13, 2011

The First In a Series

Of what will probably be very boring posts from me this week. Circumstances dictate that this week I do my running during my lunch break at work, which means lots of treadmill miles. I could go outside after work, but I find that to be such a risky proposition.... I'm really tired after work, and I just worry that I will talk myself out of going, whereas I am very motivated to take a lunch break at work, since I hate it there, and nobody talks to me while I am on the treadmill, which is nice.

Anyhoodle, I did three miles today, time was 39:10. And by the way, Sandy, just so you know, I am totally sitting in judgement of you. :)

Sunday, June 12, 2011

THIS is a really good article

The Truth About Calories

By Clint Carter
Men's Health

You can't go anywhere without being confronted by calories. Restaurants now print calorie counts on menus. You go to the supermarket and there they are, stamped on every box and bottle. You hop on the treadmill and watch your "calories burned" click upward.

But just what are calories? The more calories we take in, the more flab we add—and if we cut back on them, then flab starts to recede too, right? After all, at face value, calories seem to be the factor by which all foods should be judged. But if that were true, 500 calories of parsnips would equal 500 calories of Double Stuf Oreos.

Not quite. There's nothing simple about calories. Learn the distinctions and lose the lard.

Myth #1: Calories Fuel Our Bodies

Actually, they don't

A calorie is simply a unit of measurement for heat; in the early 19th century, it was used to explain the theory of heat conservation and steam engines. The term entered the food world around 1890, when the USDA appropriated it for a report on nutrition. Specifically, a calorie was defined as the unit of heat required to raise 1 gram of water 1 degree Celsius.

To apply this concept to foods like sandwiches, scientists used to set food on fire (really!) and then gauge how well the flaming sample warmed a water bath. The warmer the water, the more calories the food contained. (Today, a food's calorie count is estimated from its carbohydrate, protein, and fat content.) In the calorie's leap to nutrition, its definition evolved. The calorie we now see cited on nutrition labels is the amount of heat required to raise 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius.

Here's the problem: Your body isn't a steam engine. Instead of heat, it runs on chemical energy, fueled by the oxidation of carbohydrates, fat, and protein that occurs in your cells' mitochondria. "You could say mitochondria are like small power plants," says Maciej Buchowski, Ph.D., a research professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University medical center. "Instead of one central plant, you have several billion, so it's more efficient."

Your move:

Track carbohydrates, fats, and protein—not just calories—when you're evaluating foods.

Myth #2: All Calories Are Created Equal

Not exactly

Our fuel comes from three sources: protein, carbohydrates, and fat. "They're handled by the body differently," says Alan Aragon, M.S., aMen's Healthnutrition advisor. So that old "calories in, calories out" formula can be misleading, he says. "Carbohydrates, protein, and fat have different effects on the equation."

Example: For every 100 carbohydrate calories you consume, your body expends 5 to 10 in digestion. With fats, you expend slightly less (although thin people seem to break down more fat than heavy people do). The calorie-burn champion is protein: For every 100 protein calories you consume, your body needs 20 to 30 for digestion, Buchowski says. Carbohydrates and fat give up their calories easily: They're built to supply quick energy. In effect, carbs and fat yield more usable energy than protein does.

Your move:

If you want to lose weight, make protein a priority at every meal. Adding them to snacks—especially before you exercise—can help too.

Try these 5 perfect protein-packed gym-ready snacks .

Myth #3: A Calorie Ingested is a Calorie Digested

It's not that simple

Just because the food is swallowed doesn't mean it will be digested. It passes through your stomach and then reaches your small intestine, which slurps up all the nutrients it can through its spongy walls. But 5 to 10 percent of calories slide through unabsorbed. Fat digestion is relatively efficient—fat easily enters your intestinal walls. As for protein, animal sources are more digestible than plant sources, so a top sirloin's protein will be better absorbed than tofu's.

Different carbs are processed at different rates, too: Glucose and starch are rapidly absorbed, while fiber dawdles in the digestive tract. In fact, the insoluble fiber in some complex carbs, such as that in vegetables and whole grains, tends to block the absorption of other calories. "With a very high-fiber diet, say 60 grams a day, you might lose as much as 20 percent of the calories you consume," says Wanda Howell, Ph.D., a professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Arizona.

So a useful measure of calories is difficult. A lab technician might find that a piece of rock candy and a piece of broccoli have the same number of calories. But in action, the broccoli's fiber ensures that the vegetable contributes less energy. A study in theJournal of Nutritionfound that a high-fiber diet leaves roughly twice as many calories undigested as a low-fiber diet does. And fewer calories means less flab.

Your move:

Aim to consume at least 35 to 40 grams of fiber every day. That being said, not all fiber is created equal.

Read "The Truth About Fiber" to find out even more need-to-know facts about this nutrient .

Myth #4: Exercise Burns Most of Our Calories

Not even close

Even the most fanatical fitness nuts burn no more than 30 percent of their daily calories at the gym. Most of your calories burn at a constant simmer, fueling the automated processes that keep you alive—that is, your basal metabolism, says Warren Willey, D.O., author ofBetter Than Steroids. If you want to burn fuel, hit the gas in your everyday activities.

"Some 60 to 70 percent of our total caloric expenditure goes toward normal bodily functions," says Howell. This includes replacing old tissue, transporting oxygen, mending minor shaving wounds, and so on. For men, these processes require about 11 calories per pound of body weight a day, so a 200-pound man will incinerate 2,200 calories a day—even if he sat in front of the TV all day.

And then there are the calories you lose to N.E.A.T., or nonexercise activity thermo-genesis. N.E.A.T. consists of the countless daily motions you make outside the gym—the calories you burn while making breakfast, playing Nerf football in the office, or chasing the bus. Brandon Alderman, Ph.D., director of the exercise psychophysiology lab at Rutgers University, says emerging evidence suggests that "a conscious effort to spend more time on your feet might net a greater calorie burn than 30 minutes of daily exercise."

Need more suggestions? Here are 4 ways to harness the power of N.E.A.T .

Your move:

Take frequent breaks from your desk (and couch) to move your body and burn bonus calories.

Myth #5: Low-Calories Foods Help You Lose Weight

Not always

Processed low-calorie foods can be weak allies in the weight-loss war. Take sugar-free foods. Omitting sugar is perhaps the easiest way to cut calories. But food manufacturers generally replace those sugars with calorie-free sweeteners, such as sucralose or aspartame. And artificial sweeteners can backfire. One University of Texas study found that consuming as few as three diet sodas a week increases a person's risk of obesity by more than 40 percent. And in a 2008 Purdue study, rats that ate artificially sweetened yogurt took in more calories at subsequent meals, resulting in more flab. The theory is that the promise of sugar—without the caloric payoff—may actually lead to overeating.

"Too many people are counting calories instead of focusing on the content of food," says Alderman. "This just misses the boat."

Your move:

Avoid artificial sweeteners and load up your plate with the bona fide low-calorie saviors: fruits and vegetables.

I folded

Like a cheap lawn chair. Like a bad hand at poker. Like an all terrain stroller blazing down a hill with 2 beautiful babies in it (yes there's a story there).

I can't take the pressure of having to go every day. It takes away my enjoyment. And my opportunities to drink beer. So yes I did not go Friday or Saturday. For no good reason except that Friday I wanted to drink beer and yesterday I just damn well didn't feel like it. However, this morning I found myself awake at the ungodly hour of 745am on a Sunday so I decided to go for a run outside. It was a beautiful morning with a gentle breeze blowing. I did 3.5, walking most of the last mille as fat dog and I enjoyed the morning.

I do admire the mental fortitude of those who successfully complete Juneathon and I look forward to reading about their success. And I intend to keep trying. I think part of the lesson of Juneathon is to get back on the proverbial horse after you've fallen off. To keep plugging away at it.

"You got to know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away. Know when to RUN." - Kenny Rogers, The Gambler

How 'bout me enjoying the moment for once

From "Thank You" by Alanis Morissette, which is an old song, but still remains on my cool down playlist. I love my Sunday walks, I find them to be such a refreshing time for me to slow down, pay attention to what is around me, and really reflect. Today I walked 4 miles at a very good walking pace that I was happy with. Total time was 57:33, 14:24/mile. I walked by the field of pretty horses twice, and all the horses were near the fence, busy being pretty. I also saw the cutest baby bunny, who ran for his burrow as soon as we got close. I saw a bird with a big fat worm in its beak and lots and lots of blue and purple flowers. I didn't see any bluebirds today, they must sleep in on Sundays.

Stats for the week:

Miles Running Outside: 10.94
Treadmill Running: 8.5
Miles Walked: 4
Total Miles Moved: 23.44

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Oy vey.

I'm a mess. 2 nights of drinking, smoking cigarettes, and 11 days in a row of exercise. I'm incredibly, inconsolably tired. My legs are sore from yesterday's metabolic booster, so that is a good thing, but I can't have a rest day and that's a bad thing. My stomach is entirely upset, possibly from the introduction of vegetables after a months-long, rebellion-driven hiatus. Also from the 2 nights of drinking. Last night I didn't have much to drink, and did drink water, and came home around 11. Then I slept until after 9. It's 90 degrees (32.2 Celsius) outside at 11:20 a.m. so going outside is out of the question, and I can't stand to look at pilates bitch for yet another day. I need a gym. Trial memberships, here I come. I will update after I go.
Update: Jessica came over with the dog and we walked 1.68 miles. It was pretty leisurely but it's better than nothing.

3 Miles, the usual

But slower. I really didn't want to go this morning at all, so I did my usual trick of saying to myself something along the lines of "okay, fine, I'll go, but I'm going to go SLOW! I'm going to set a PERSONAL WORST!!!" This usually works and gets me out there and once I am out there I don't typically do a personal worst (anyone who knows me knows I save my personal worsts for races, when I completely fall apart under the pressure no matter how well I have trained).

Still, today was pretty slow. Total time was 37:07, 12:23/mile.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Drinking beer at 4 on friday

That's a takeoff from a Sheryl Crow song: "now we're in a bar drinking beer at noon on tuesday" it goes I think. Anyhoo that's my 20. Have not gone yet today. Juneathon looking dubious. All I wanna do is have some fun.

day 10 >:P

That's the face I was making as I did the metabolic booster segment of the pilates video. It was 20 minutes long, and that's all I have in me today. I broke a sweat and I feel it in my legs so I'm ok with it. We are 1/3 of the way through Juneathon, so if this was a half marathon we would be into mile 4. At that point in the race I am beginning to feel it, maybe slowing down just a tad.

Joyful 2.31

My stupid interval timer broke a few days ago, and I still haven't gotten the new one I ordered yet. So, today I was just on my own, walking and running whenever I felt like it. But it ended up being really nice, it was a very joyful fun. I joyfully ran down the downhills and joyfully walked up most of the uphills. Time was 27:56, 12:06/mile. I'm hoping to get the new interval timer today and tomorrow I'll do three or four.

I've been reading Travelling Hopefully and her thoughts on what to name her Garmin.... and I have to say I have named both my interval timer and my Garmin, but my interval timer is named "Bitch" and my Garmin is named "Asshole", and the people on her blog are suggesting things like "Simon", so maybe I have the wrong idea on this..... man those Brits are so polite!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Once upon a time nobody gave a fuck

Whether or not I got my miles in. But now there's all this pressure!!! Ok kidding. Sorta. But I do miss my days off. That title is from an awesome song by Kid Cudi.

I went to the gym after work today and did a slow and gentle 2.5 at 2,1,0 incline, walked the last half mile. My stomach seems to be hanging in there so that's a good sign.

Uncle! Uncle, I say!

I got in late last night and didn't get to bed until after midnight. I slept too late to run/walk, so I did pilates core plus 8 minutes of the metabolic booster. Oy vey. I feel it over my entire body! I colored my hair and gave myself a pedicure. I lost 5 lbs last week in Denver, so my jeans should be at least a little more comfortable. I'm going to take a nap, get dolled up, and go out with friends tonight! I've earned it! Hooray for karaoke!

P.S. If anyone is wondering why I can't go running/walking outside if I sleep past dawn, it's because I live in Tucson. As soon as the sun comes up, the temperature skyrockets at this time of year.

4.5

Tready miles. Pretty okay, I took it slow since I wanted to get some distance in. No incline, since I'm just not into that these days. Time was 56:25.

I had a sort of crazy idea when I was driving home from work yesterday that I would like to have a week where I do 26.2 miles. I thought maybe I would try that this week, but I don't want to hurt myself. Maybe that will be the goal for the last week of Juneathon.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Mistakes were made

1. I went back to sleep after my 6am wake-up call.
2. I opted for a snug belted skirt with a mock turtleneck and heels for work, which aren't conducive for changing back into when sweaty after the gym. So lunch was out.
3. I worked until 6 and agreed to let J have a friend over to swim, so I couldn't go straight after work.
4. I got home and had 2 bowls of whole grain chocolate Cheerios and about 20 cherries.
5. I decided to go running after dinner, which is never a good idea, but particularly not after eating cherries with clogged up plumbing.
6. I had to use the bathroom at the neighborhood park.
7. I walked home.
8. But, it got done.

"When you feel close to sellin' out, reconsider.". - some country singer gal I need to look up (Leann Womack that is, thanks Dad!)

Day 8

I did pilates core conditioning, which I finally figured out is 20 minutes long. Then I did 2 small loops around Marianne's house, which is just short of a mile. I'm trying to take it easy on the old knees. I would like to start counting my calories in the next few days. Maybe today. We shall see. I'm taking the kids bowling later and then flying home tonight. I'm homesick but I still don't really want to leave. I've had such a good, relaxing time.

I'm on the right track baby, I was born to be brave

I was surly about going this morning, since things are starting to hurt from not taking any rest days. But then this lovely Lady Gaga song came on. I know, I must be the last person on the planet to hear it, but I really liked it! I listened to it three times just for the line that is the title of the post.

Anyways, I did 3.5 miles. Time was 41:56, 11:59/mile. I did 2.5R/1W intervals which are working out quite well, it would seem.

Sandy's post from yesterday, in addition to being just awesome, reminded me of the hard time I had when I was trying to transition from just treadmill running to doing some running outside (I wanted to run a half marathon, I had already walked one). It was seriously difficult, and I wrote this post about it at the time. I'll copy the post here:

I was reading this blog, by this penguin guy, and this line really struck me: “I miss the regular, consistent glimpse into the best of who I am that I get when I’m running.” And I thought about this morning, when I had a very small victory. Just running three miles, doing the intervals I planned….. outside. Outside has been a big challenge for me with running. For multiple reasons, most of which are too boring to get into. But this morning, I woke up and knew I had planned this run, and I really didn’t want to go.

“Running in my neighborhood is a bad idea…. there might be people out there. They will probably be on their porches drinking coffee. They will see me. They will laugh, or be disgusted. They might throw things at me or yell at me. I’ll look stupid, I’ll feel stupid and since this is my own neighborhood everyone will know who I am and where I live.”

This is just sample of the terrible things that go through my head when I am attempting to push the limits of what I think I can do. Irrational, yes. But probably not unusual. I think lots of people have those voices. And I think lots of people listen. I listen sometimes.

And when I read that line on John Bingham’s blog, I thought about this morning. And I thought that the fact that I have these voices, these challenges, these insecurities, that part of my journey is to have to struggle so hard against my own mind. And I thought that the fact that I hear these things in my head, and I got up anyway, and I ran anyway, and I did exactly what I had planned to do, that I decided to defy those voices and TRY, is one of those glimpses into the best of who I am. And it is definitely one of the things that keeps me going.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Through everything we've learned, we've finally come to terms

We are the Outsiders!  Thats from Needtobreathe, an awesome song my sister turned me on to a year or so ago, but which I only really listened to this morning while riding my bike.  It just really speaks to the path that our sistahood and so many others in this blogging community have taken.  We don't fit the typical "runner/athlete" profile.  We're slow, we're heavy, often lacking grace.  We don't look the part.  But yet we're out there every day, more dedicated than most.  We're determined and adventurous. With the assistance of sticky pants and tummy tucks, we face our insecurities and stand firm, conducting a social rebellion each day we take a step on the road.  What a collective experience we share, and what obstacles we've overcome!

"On the outside, you're free to roam.  On the outside, we found a home." 

Admittedly, this hasn't been my general experience as a runner.  I've been running, albeit slowly, since I was 10.  But this hit me today because I decided to ride my bike instead of run.  I bought a road bike last year with the fancy clippy shoes and all, and I've ridden it exactly twice.  I did 11.5 miles on a rather hilly route, and the hills were pretty tough.  I got passed by several other bikers out on the road.  I felt occasionally stared at and was convinced that I was pedaling wrong, or my posture incorrect, or I was going hilariously slowly, betraying my newbie status.  I felt that way when I started swimming too - convinced that others were staring at me, criticizing my strokes, and feeling generally quite foolish with my belly rolling over my swimsuit.  I still do often when I get in the pool surrounded by the graceful and powerful swimmers at my gym.  Even running at the gym, I am so much slower and less svelte than the "legit" crowd.  I am not like them.  I am an Outsider.

2 miles

I did 2 different loops and ended with 2.08 miles. It was an excellent run/walk. I ran most of the downhill parts - enough to make me feel like I was actually running part of the time - and walked the uphill parts. I felt really strong and it took me about 30 minutes, which means my time is much better than it was a few days ago. Woohoo!

2.13

Outside. Today I tried doing 2 1/2R:1W intervals. It was tough. But my time was good, 25:03, 11:45/mile. I did this different loop that I don't usually do, and I can't say I liked it too much. Tomorrow, I'll maybe try my regular three mile route with those intervals and see how I do.

Monday, June 6, 2011

No I Won't! Back! Down!

That's from Eminem featuring P!nk. She is my favorite. I started to do yoga today but the planks and down dogs and such were first, and I'm just too heavy to do those. My wrists and elbows hurt because it's too much weight to support. So I said f that, I'll just go outside, but I'm doing 3 small loops and that's IT. So that's what I did. It was about 1.3 miles and with warm up and cool down took about 20 minutes.
I'm thinking about counting calories again, to lose weight. 1800 calories a day should let me lose 1 - 2 lbs per week, if I keep exercising. That is plenty of calories if I make good choices. All I can do is try, and keep saying I won't back down!
Yesterday my favorite pants got a hole in the inner thigh and I chafed a bit. Then I came home and proceeded to have a complete and total meltdown. I told Marianne I needed to go get new pants and she said she already had some for me. They were too big for her. I didn't try them on because I was so upset about my favorite pants having a hole. I just cried and went back to bed, because here's the thing - those pants are made out of something that holds my shirt down, and keeps it from bunching up around my waist. In other words, it covers my ass and my belly. This is something that is important to me. It makes me feel OK about going outside where people can see me. I knew those pants were wearing out - I have patched the inner thighs once already - and I've been looking for months for similar pants. I haven't been able to find any sticky ones like that pair. Just slippery ones that let the shirt slip right up to my waist. I'm pear shaped, you see, and no matter how big my running shirts are, they do not fit loosely around my lower half. So I was going to have to go running outside where people could see me, with my shirt bunched up around my waist, and my ass and belly just hanging out there. So I really really really didn't want to go, and I put it off as long as I could. Finally I went upstairs to change, and guess what! The pants Marianne gave me are sticky!!! My mood has improved considerably since then. I guess the whole thing might sound silly, but for me, exercise is hard enough already. If I'm going to allow myself to be seen, then I have to feel ok about how I look. So if I need sticky pants, then I need sticky pants. And Nike, the goddess of swiftness, has provided them for me through my sister. Woot!
Weekly stats:
7.3 miles
3x pilates core conditioning

Here I am . . . just waiting for this storm to pass me by

- Sound of Sunshine by Michael Frantii and Spearhead

I did 2 miles outside at 7am this morning.  They were difficult miles with heavy labored breathing and lots of sweat.  I should have had something to drink before I went, as I'm pretty dehydrated after the last couple days of misery.  I jogged real slow and and took a couple walk breaks in the last mile, but I got 'er done. 

Mercy

I'm beggin!!! From the song "Mercy" by Duff. Last song I listened to on my four mile treadmill run. Time was 48:07 and I am well pleased.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

don't let me get me

from P!nk. I really, really didn't want to go. Marianne went outside, and Chris went to the gym, and so when I finished my coffee I went too. I did 1 3/4 mile, including warm-up and a short cool-down. After that I stretched, stretched, stretched in an effort to ease my aches and pains. Then I went back to sleep for a few more hours. I ate and am feeling better than I was. Being in Denver won't let me get me for a few more days and I hope it's enough so that I can go it alone after that!

It won't dull all the achin'

From a song of heartbreak by Roger Clyne. I managed 2 miles this morning on the indoor track at the gym, alternating walking and jogging laps. It was ok although I felt pretty weak and winded. Now my intestines appear to be rebelling against the few bites of oatmeal and banana I ate this morning. The good news is I've lost 3 lbs on this Ecoli diet.

2.34

It was all I had in me today. I am wondering if perhaps Juneathon is going to be a series of very short runs? Don't know, but I could sure use a rest day..... tomorrow I will do the treadmill with no incline and call it a rest.

Weekly Totals:

Treadmill Running: 8.75
Outside Running: 8.34
Total: 17.09

Saturday, June 4, 2011

June 4

I did the core conditioning segment of pilates again, and then I walked around Marianne's neighborhood twice, which is about a mile. (I ran some on the downhill parts.) I am feeling very fatigued as I didn't sleep much last night. On a positive note, I am making visible progress on the pilates. I think strengthening my core will help a LOT when I can finally get back to running. Four days in a row, I can't even remember the last time I did that! Yay!!

Drugs, gimme drugs, gimme drugs!!

Hahaha! From the song "Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na)" by My Chemical Romance. A good running song. My drugs seem to be working, I am feeling better, although I was slow today. But I had a really good and happy run, so I was happy to go slow.

3 miles, time was 37:07, 12:22/mile. I did 2r/1w intervals the whole time.


Friday, June 3, 2011

Its just not gonna happen

I am so incredibly disappointed. I have been in bed all day, sick with stomach flu since 4am. I could barely stand long enough to shower just now. I can't even remember the last time I felt this horrible. So, I give up. :(

Day 3

I did the pilates core segment, which is about 15 minutes, and then walked 1.5 miles. I ran a tiny bit on the downhill parts but I just feel so heavy. Probably because I AM so heavy. But it was a good workout day so who cares. I'm trying not to care.

Ain't nothin gonna break my stride

A song that I actually have on my running playlist, the original album version! See, and you didn't think anyone could possibly be that nerdy, but you were wrong, because I am. I AM! Plus, it reminds me of my mom, it was a song that was playing when she was doing lots of running, which makes me all nostalgic and weepy, which can be problematic when I am breathing hard from running, but I soldier on.

I did 3 miles, and here is the thing that will be interesting to nobody except me. I have been trying to run without doing run/walk intervals for a while now, in a desperate attempt to get faster. Running has thus become less and less fun, as I have become more and more obsessed with breaking the 12 minute mile for longer distances. So, today I decided to just go back to my 2R/1W intervals, because I am sick.

And I ran one of the fastest three miles I have ever run. My time was 35:44, 11:55/mile. So, I am now officially going back to my intervals, because they clearly do not slow me down, and if anything, they make me quite a bit faster, and today was also one of the most enjoyable runs I have had in quite some time. I saw a pretty red fox in our neighborhood along with the usual contingent of bluebirds. I love Spring in the Rockies!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

I have strep throat, but I went!

I am so totally hard core. I did two treadmill miles. Took it very slow, since I really am quite ill. 26:45 was the time, I think.

Now I am going to go lay my hardcore ass down on the couch for the rest of the day. I have my antibiotics and should be feeling much better by tomorrow.

2 miles

I went to Marianne's gym with her and did 2 miles. I started on the elliptical machine but it was really hurting my back. I think my back is tender because of the housecleaning spree plus the pilates yesterday. So I switched to the treadmill for most of the 2 miles.

Baby ain't we a Beautiful Disaster

That's an awesome old Roger Clyne song from whence I pilfered my moniker.  (You like that?  I'm incredibly smart this morning thanks to one too many mojitos last night.)  Someone asked me recently why I use BD as my blogger name, and because I know our many readers care, I thought I'd offer a general explanation.  First, its from one of my favorite bands.  But secondly and more importantly, its an apt description of my life.  After my divorce 6 years ago I felt like my life was a disaster and all of my dreams had died. I was scrambling to figure out who I was and how to survive in my new reality.  Over the years I've carved out a new life for myself and my beautiful babies.  Its a messy but almost always beautiful existence. 

I did 2 miles outside this morning at 6:30, takin it easy if you will, due to my disease.  That's right, I got a fancy diagnosis yesterday at the doctor - "Piriformis Syndrome".  This is an affliction of the buttock wherein the sciatic nerve is agitated as it passes through a cramped priformis muscle, located deep in the buttock.  This explains my butt cheek malady and all of my whining these last couple months.  And, its likely due not to my fall, but to my attempt to run up and down a mountain, causing severe stress to my piriformis muscle.  I'm going to reqest an accommodation for my new disability at work today.  I think what I need is a massaging heated chair and a part-time schedule with full pay.  Whilst some may argue that I already have that schedule, to you I say this is some serious shit, people!  This is Juneathon!!  I cannot be sidelined by the afflictions of my weak ass!! 

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Logged and Blogged, baby!

2.75 miles, on the treadmill, 35 minutes. I don't know why I only did 2.75, I just started to not feel well at that point, so I stopped. One percent incline the whole time.

Before I went to the gym, I was doing my usual pouting and whining about it, and while wasting time I wondered what my first post on this blog was. I read it and laughed pretty hard, about how little anything has changed.

I should have walked 2 1/4 miles today. But instead I ate rice bowl and cold cereal because fuck that.
It's just funny..... back then I was walking 16 minute miles. Now, I am jogging/walking 12 minute miles, but I still am all "fuck that."

Pilates

I did a 15-minute or so core segment, and then part of the metabolic booster segment. 25 minutes in all I think, and I'm gonna be sore.

Ain't we lucky we got 'em

Good Times!!! Yes that's the theme song to the 70's sitcom, Good Times. Its the ringtone I woke up to this morning with my man calling to wake me at 6am to go get an awesome start to Juneathon!!! He stayed on the phone until I was up and dressed, just to make sure I went, which was awesome and very necessary. I did 3.5 miles at 12:30 pace, which wasn't great but given my sluggish mornings I think very acceptable. I did an energy shot, half granola bar and glass of water to get me started. Got to go outside again and it was a beautiful crisp morning. Dog stopped to poo twice so that's at least a minute off my time right? My butt pain disappeared about a mile in, but its back now. I have a dr appt this afternoon to get it checked out. And tonight, after work, I shall rest on the couch of righteousness.