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.