I'll start this blog post by stating that I'm NOT training for a 1/2 marathon! Woo....
We ARE doing the Color Run in Hershey, in June, and it's a 5K so I'm not looking for a ton of inspiration at this point. After the Gettysburg 1/2 - which was a disaster - I pretty much hung up my Brooks running shoes, my waistline can attest to that. After a gnarly ankle sprain in NOLA (on Bourbon might I add) last year, I thought my oft injured ankle was toast and my running days may be behind me altogether. In the year plus since my last blog I've slowed down, um, not at all! I've managed to pass my PA Life Accident & Health Insurance exam, travel...a lot, entertain and laugh...a lot, work 40+ hours every week, hold down the fort at home...oh and QUIT SMOKING! For real this time, I'm nearly 4 1/2 mo. in (can I also blame this for some of the weight gain?!).
I'm in the process of studying for my general securities licensing exam - the dreaded Series 7, would love to shed some lbs and get a more regular work out schedule. So yes - I'm still, in essence, Running on Empty and thought perhaps you'd like to follow along :). In all seriousness, my main motivation for returning to the blogosphere is that some friends and I literally spent all of yesterday doing a meal planning day. Myself and two other working women (one a mother of 4 1/2 yr old), doing their best to balance it all, and one retiree who just wanted to try something new. We live in a world full of blogs, Pinterest pins, google searches, etc. What if I/we tried the things that you've been meaning to try - work the bugs out and report back? Sound good? Will try to give a play by play on the meal making day later this week - should have some recipe reviews (kid reviews?) as well. I'm hoping to have guest bloggers and make this as interactive as possible.
Is there a recipe you've been wanting to try but didn't want to waste your time or money without some more reviews (lets try to keep them semi healthy)? How about Pinterest? Is there a particular craft or idea that you think just can't be as easy as @MsPerfectMom1 is making it look? All of those Facebook recipe shares - does anyone really make those things? Why don't you send it my/our way - this could be fun...
Monday, January 13, 2014
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
What a Difference a Year Makes
So strange.
This training thing is so very different for me this time around.
Of course I have a new training schedule. It's odd for me to think that I'm fully training for like 14 weeks instead of a full year like last time.
But I'd already done the grunt work. I'd already conditioned my body (so says the sister-coach). Maybe if the hard part only lasts 10-14 weeks, I'd be more inclined to do it again...or maybe not.
We are currently 70 days from 1/2 marathon #2.
This go round I'm preferring evening runs to those early AM runs of last year. I'm also preferring road runs or treadmill runs to my beloved squishy track. My calf's hurt more for some strange reason when I'm running there - and of course, this close to the start of the school year, I'm fighting for track time with the cheerleaders, color guard, soccer and field hockey players. No doubt I'm a sight to those kiddos. Running (slowly), still huffing and puffing, going round & round the track. Take a good look ya'll - this is what 33 looks like ;). Yep - as of 8/8/12 I am officially a 33 year old. I even ran my neighborhood on the MORNING of my birthday. I can honestly say, a few years ago - I would have never, not even for a second, imagined that was how I would be starting any of my birthdays.
Here's what I've been up to since my last post, now mind you - the RunKeeper app has been generous with distance and average pace lately...I feel like I need a new app, but it's so hard to break up with this one - it's seen me through so much!
July 27th - 3.37 Miles 32:15 Frontier Town Run OCMD - Two vacay runs = gold star :)
July 29th - 3.01 Miles 41:02 Frontier Town Run OCMD (this one seems more accurate)
August 5th - 2.5 Miles 27:31 Neighborhood run, with two pitiful pups for the first .75 miles - they give me this face when I put on my running shoes...they love to run. I mean when they don't even have to run. I run, they trot, they make it look way easy. They probably could have done the whole 2.5 miles, but the heat makes me nervous
August 6th - In an effort to make up for the days off between 7/29 - 8/5 - 1 HR of Zumba + 2 mile run at Golds gym
August 7th - 3.28 Miles 36:46 - Track Run
August 8th 4.82 Miles SO WRONG - Closer to 2.25 Miles I'm sure - neighborhood AM run before work...gettin them hills in
August 9th 2.59 Miles 25:38 - Track run...closer to 2 miles as that's what the schedule called for
August 10th - rest day...AC with ladies
August 11th & 12th ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^see above...over did it in AC with ladies. We stayed beach & boardwalk front, but there was just no dragging myself out of bed for a run before check out. Vacation fail...or is that a vacation win?!
August 13th - 4.67 Miles 45:30 - Making up for lost long run time on the crazy ladies weekend...closer to 4 miles but I feel like I'm improving.
That's all for now...
This training thing is so very different for me this time around.
Of course I have a new training schedule. It's odd for me to think that I'm fully training for like 14 weeks instead of a full year like last time.
But I'd already done the grunt work. I'd already conditioned my body (so says the sister-coach). Maybe if the hard part only lasts 10-14 weeks, I'd be more inclined to do it again...or maybe not.
We are currently 70 days from 1/2 marathon #2.
This go round I'm preferring evening runs to those early AM runs of last year. I'm also preferring road runs or treadmill runs to my beloved squishy track. My calf's hurt more for some strange reason when I'm running there - and of course, this close to the start of the school year, I'm fighting for track time with the cheerleaders, color guard, soccer and field hockey players. No doubt I'm a sight to those kiddos. Running (slowly), still huffing and puffing, going round & round the track. Take a good look ya'll - this is what 33 looks like ;). Yep - as of 8/8/12 I am officially a 33 year old. I even ran my neighborhood on the MORNING of my birthday. I can honestly say, a few years ago - I would have never, not even for a second, imagined that was how I would be starting any of my birthdays.
Here's what I've been up to since my last post, now mind you - the RunKeeper app has been generous with distance and average pace lately...I feel like I need a new app, but it's so hard to break up with this one - it's seen me through so much!
July 27th - 3.37 Miles 32:15 Frontier Town Run OCMD - Two vacay runs = gold star :)
July 29th - 3.01 Miles 41:02 Frontier Town Run OCMD (this one seems more accurate)
August 5th - 2.5 Miles 27:31 Neighborhood run, with two pitiful pups for the first .75 miles - they give me this face when I put on my running shoes...they love to run. I mean when they don't even have to run. I run, they trot, they make it look way easy. They probably could have done the whole 2.5 miles, but the heat makes me nervous
August 6th - In an effort to make up for the days off between 7/29 - 8/5 - 1 HR of Zumba + 2 mile run at Golds gym
August 7th - 3.28 Miles 36:46 - Track Run
August 8th 4.82 Miles SO WRONG - Closer to 2.25 Miles I'm sure - neighborhood AM run before work...gettin them hills in
August 9th 2.59 Miles 25:38 - Track run...closer to 2 miles as that's what the schedule called for
August 10th - rest day...AC with ladies
August 11th & 12th ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^see above...over did it in AC with ladies. We stayed beach & boardwalk front, but there was just no dragging myself out of bed for a run before check out. Vacation fail...or is that a vacation win?!
August 13th - 4.67 Miles 45:30 - Making up for lost long run time on the crazy ladies weekend...closer to 4 miles but I feel like I'm improving.
That's all for now...
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Unlikely Allies
I'll get into the recap of my training for the past week in just a bit.
This weeks' post requires a little back story.
When we lost our friend Corey in January of 2011, it seemed as if he brought an old friend back into Shawn's life, and a new friend for me as well. It's funny how things work out that way...
When I met her, she was enviable to me, I know that sounds ridiculous, but let's face it ladies - we size each other up. We envy someones hair, style, size! And well, this girl was a size 0 soaking wet, well put together, and relishing her life as a stay at home mom and dog treat baker, yes really.
She had a degree in health promotion (obviously), loved to party plan, and discover ways to healthify just about anything - black bean brownies, e.g. She sewed her own reusable zip lock bags...she made green look good. This girl was practically a polar opposite of myself. And though I typically shy away from hanging out with size 0's, (No offense, ya'll make me look bigger!), in her I found a kindred spirit.
Sometimes it feels good to believe that Corey brought us together because we needed each other.
Over 2011 and into 2012 we grew closer, we vacationed together, we celebrated the news her pregnancy and crossed fingers for a successful round of IVF for Shawn and I.
By March of this year however, we were left consoling each other. Another failed attempt at pregnancy for me, the loss of a pregnancy for her.
There we were - unlikely allies.
When I announced that I was again training for a 1/2 marathon - she agreed to be on the sidelines cheering me on, but made no mention of a desire to train along side of me. She's active in her own way - she'll go for a short jog, go to the gym and use the stair stepper, has regular dates with Jillian Michaels. She stays in shape because she enjoys it - I wish I had that DNA!
Something changed though within the last week.
We agreed to meet at the gym for a Zumba class and well, she wasn't feeling Zumba, and well, I knew that I should really be running three miles. So we set up shop at the treadmills and she stated that she would run until she got bored, that she had never run 3 miles before...wasn't even sure that she could.
Now mind you, it was so thick and disgustingly hot & humid in there - I wasn't even sure I could finish 3 miles. I huffed and I puffed, and I sweat, and I chugged Gatorade and I got through it.
Miss Thang, however, made it look effortless. I mean her shirt was sweaty, but that's about it. She bounced around, looking damn near flawless, increasing her speed and incline occasionally, of course - she's a natural runner.
Must have stirred something in her, because two days later we reunited at a local park for another 3 miler - this time, she left me in her DUST near the end, I watched her ponytail sway in the distance. She joked about how she has a run skirt that she considered wearing, but thought I might have a little too much fun at her expense for that one. She also mentioned a desire to forego the tank top for just her sports bra...only to agree to do that when I'm not around, haha. No offense, but I don't need to see your six pack too - not while you're kicking my a$$, at my thing, with no training - you heard?!
We each ran our 4 miles on Saturday separately (she wanted a copy of my training schedule), and when I texted that I may not get in the 2 mile recovery run on Sunday, I was shocked to get a "2 miles down!!" text in reply a bit later. Them's fighting words! So I reluctantly, begrudgingly, after grocery shopping, before making dinner, ran my 2+ miles.
I didn't expect to have a run buddy, and I may get frustrated at how easy it is for her to do what I've been struggling to do for over a year now, but she's helping hold this girl accountable and keeping this training thing interesting. My unlikely ally, my friend I love to hate, my greatest gift from Corey.
This weeks' post requires a little back story.
When we lost our friend Corey in January of 2011, it seemed as if he brought an old friend back into Shawn's life, and a new friend for me as well. It's funny how things work out that way...
When I met her, she was enviable to me, I know that sounds ridiculous, but let's face it ladies - we size each other up. We envy someones hair, style, size! And well, this girl was a size 0 soaking wet, well put together, and relishing her life as a stay at home mom and dog treat baker, yes really.
She had a degree in health promotion (obviously), loved to party plan, and discover ways to healthify just about anything - black bean brownies, e.g. She sewed her own reusable zip lock bags...she made green look good. This girl was practically a polar opposite of myself. And though I typically shy away from hanging out with size 0's, (No offense, ya'll make me look bigger!), in her I found a kindred spirit.
Sometimes it feels good to believe that Corey brought us together because we needed each other.
Over 2011 and into 2012 we grew closer, we vacationed together, we celebrated the news her pregnancy and crossed fingers for a successful round of IVF for Shawn and I.
By March of this year however, we were left consoling each other. Another failed attempt at pregnancy for me, the loss of a pregnancy for her.
There we were - unlikely allies.
When I announced that I was again training for a 1/2 marathon - she agreed to be on the sidelines cheering me on, but made no mention of a desire to train along side of me. She's active in her own way - she'll go for a short jog, go to the gym and use the stair stepper, has regular dates with Jillian Michaels. She stays in shape because she enjoys it - I wish I had that DNA!
Something changed though within the last week.
We agreed to meet at the gym for a Zumba class and well, she wasn't feeling Zumba, and well, I knew that I should really be running three miles. So we set up shop at the treadmills and she stated that she would run until she got bored, that she had never run 3 miles before...wasn't even sure that she could.
Now mind you, it was so thick and disgustingly hot & humid in there - I wasn't even sure I could finish 3 miles. I huffed and I puffed, and I sweat, and I chugged Gatorade and I got through it.
Miss Thang, however, made it look effortless. I mean her shirt was sweaty, but that's about it. She bounced around, looking damn near flawless, increasing her speed and incline occasionally, of course - she's a natural runner.
Must have stirred something in her, because two days later we reunited at a local park for another 3 miler - this time, she left me in her DUST near the end, I watched her ponytail sway in the distance. She joked about how she has a run skirt that she considered wearing, but thought I might have a little too much fun at her expense for that one. She also mentioned a desire to forego the tank top for just her sports bra...only to agree to do that when I'm not around, haha. No offense, but I don't need to see your six pack too - not while you're kicking my a$$, at my thing, with no training - you heard?!
We each ran our 4 miles on Saturday separately (she wanted a copy of my training schedule), and when I texted that I may not get in the 2 mile recovery run on Sunday, I was shocked to get a "2 miles down!!" text in reply a bit later. Them's fighting words! So I reluctantly, begrudgingly, after grocery shopping, before making dinner, ran my 2+ miles.
I didn't expect to have a run buddy, and I may get frustrated at how easy it is for her to do what I've been struggling to do for over a year now, but she's helping hold this girl accountable and keeping this training thing interesting. My unlikely ally, my friend I love to hate, my greatest gift from Corey.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Deja Vu
I honest to God cannot believe I'm typing these words right now...I distinctly remember posting something to the effect of would I ever run a 1/2 marathon again?..."hell to the NO", just 8 short months ago.
But for the same reason I started this blog, and took that initial challenge from my sister - I'm back. Reluctantly, begrudgingly, back.
I cannot hold myself accountable, I can't. I've run since the 1/2 marathon last year - of course, here & there, even joined the gym, doing some Zumba when the schedule allows. I've also been sleeping in, enjoying vacations, BBQ's and everything else life has to offer. I realized that I never even composed a post race entry after the Philadelphia 1/2! It was an incredible experience, it really was...I was just so ready to shuck that life, that training schedule, and never look back. But for as much as I despised running, I loved the results. And for as much as I didn't want to admit it - I needed an end goal to remain focused on my fitness. For as terrifyingly hard headed and strong willed as I can be, I lack some sort of chip, I'm wired wrong...still...even after the grueling training for the year leading up to the 1/2 marathon, I could have easily flipped that lazy switch and reverted back to the person that I was - all of that training down the tubes.
In the past 8 months of my life a lot has changed actually. True to form my husband and I keep busy professional and social calendars. New job for him, new professional opportunities for the both of us, a vacation to the FL Keys, weekend trips here and there, and a failed round of IVF. Yep, I said it.
I'm sure some of you may have wondered how we fared after my commitment to getting into "fighting shape". Well, not so hot. The doctor visits stretched on for months, the medical bills stacked up, and at the end of the day we were left with little hope, no insurance coverage for future treatments, and well, those stack of bills. I lie, we were also left with our incredible union that has withstood a steady stream doctor visits, tears, hormone infused meltdowns and more. Once the dust settled, we came out on the other side knowing that we'd weathered this together and that even if parenthood doesn't happen for us, we are luckier than most, and grateful to have each other...and the fur babies :).
So, once I realized that I wouldn't be on some sort of pregnancy restriction - I agreed to another 1/2 marathon with my sister-coach. This time a little closer to home and we are just over 14 weeks out. The Gettysburg Blue-Gray 1/2 will be here before we know it. I downloaded a new training schedule from Fitness Magazine...it's a 10 week training routine, will just repeat week one for at least a week and adjust as needed. You know me, I like a point of reference...not a carved in stone routine, ha!
Here goes nothing:
Mon - Cross Train...may need some help with this?
Tues - Run 3 miles
Wed - Run 2 miles
Thurs - Run 2 miles
Fri - REST (Hallelujah!)
Sat - Run 4 miles (grumbles...)
Sun - Run 2 miles
Alright alright...let's do this.
But for the same reason I started this blog, and took that initial challenge from my sister - I'm back. Reluctantly, begrudgingly, back.
I cannot hold myself accountable, I can't. I've run since the 1/2 marathon last year - of course, here & there, even joined the gym, doing some Zumba when the schedule allows. I've also been sleeping in, enjoying vacations, BBQ's and everything else life has to offer. I realized that I never even composed a post race entry after the Philadelphia 1/2! It was an incredible experience, it really was...I was just so ready to shuck that life, that training schedule, and never look back. But for as much as I despised running, I loved the results. And for as much as I didn't want to admit it - I needed an end goal to remain focused on my fitness. For as terrifyingly hard headed and strong willed as I can be, I lack some sort of chip, I'm wired wrong...still...even after the grueling training for the year leading up to the 1/2 marathon, I could have easily flipped that lazy switch and reverted back to the person that I was - all of that training down the tubes.
In the past 8 months of my life a lot has changed actually. True to form my husband and I keep busy professional and social calendars. New job for him, new professional opportunities for the both of us, a vacation to the FL Keys, weekend trips here and there, and a failed round of IVF. Yep, I said it.
I'm sure some of you may have wondered how we fared after my commitment to getting into "fighting shape". Well, not so hot. The doctor visits stretched on for months, the medical bills stacked up, and at the end of the day we were left with little hope, no insurance coverage for future treatments, and well, those stack of bills. I lie, we were also left with our incredible union that has withstood a steady stream doctor visits, tears, hormone infused meltdowns and more. Once the dust settled, we came out on the other side knowing that we'd weathered this together and that even if parenthood doesn't happen for us, we are luckier than most, and grateful to have each other...and the fur babies :).
So, once I realized that I wouldn't be on some sort of pregnancy restriction - I agreed to another 1/2 marathon with my sister-coach. This time a little closer to home and we are just over 14 weeks out. The Gettysburg Blue-Gray 1/2 will be here before we know it. I downloaded a new training schedule from Fitness Magazine...it's a 10 week training routine, will just repeat week one for at least a week and adjust as needed. You know me, I like a point of reference...not a carved in stone routine, ha!
Here goes nothing:
Mon - Cross Train...may need some help with this?
Tues - Run 3 miles
Wed - Run 2 miles
Thurs - Run 2 miles
Fri - REST (Hallelujah!)
Sat - Run 4 miles (grumbles...)
Sun - Run 2 miles
Alright alright...let's do this.
Friday, November 18, 2011
The Home Stretch
Has it really been a month since my last entry?! Every time I thought of posting I didn't feel like there was much to say - but looking back on the runs that I completed (with commentary, if only a word or two), I'm reminded of that day, that time, the many things that were actually happening.
I was certain I'd post this weekend, one last blog post before the big race. I'll leave the sentimental reflection for a post next week, but it was important for me to record the last of my training (insert melodramatic instrumental here), and my thoughts heading into the 1/2 marathon.
To say that the last month, well two weeks really, have been a whirlwind - would be an understatement. There are some things, of course, that I can't really go into presently, but we've got some big things on the horizon. Big decisions have been made, and there have been some inner struggles, but I didn't lose sight of this goal...this goal that I set for myself one year ago nearly to the day. I encourage you blog followers to stay with me, this journey is far from over. I can say, with a good deal of certainty, that I will continue to run. Will I run 8, 10, 11 miles or more on a weekend? Um, no. Will I be signing up for a marathon for this time next year? Hell-to-the-NO!
Read on to see what I've been up to the last month...boy have there been some interesting days!
10/18/11 - completed a 3.49 mi run with RunKeeper "
Duration 0:45:05 | Calories Burned 404 I was certain I'd post this weekend, one last blog post before the big race. I'll leave the sentimental reflection for a post next week, but it was important for me to record the last of my training (insert melodramatic instrumental here), and my thoughts heading into the 1/2 marathon.
To say that the last month, well two weeks really, have been a whirlwind - would be an understatement. There are some things, of course, that I can't really go into presently, but we've got some big things on the horizon. Big decisions have been made, and there have been some inner struggles, but I didn't lose sight of this goal...this goal that I set for myself one year ago nearly to the day. I encourage you blog followers to stay with me, this journey is far from over. I can say, with a good deal of certainty, that I will continue to run. Will I run 8, 10, 11 miles or more on a weekend? Um, no. Will I be signing up for a marathon for this time next year? Hell-to-the-NO!
Read on to see what I've been up to the last month...boy have there been some interesting days!
10/18/11 - completed a 3.49 mi run with RunKeeper "
Average Pace 12:55 / mi | Average Speed 4.65 mph | Elevation Climb 131 ft
10/20/11 - completed a 2.56 mi run with RunKeeper "Duration 0:30:04 | Calories Burned 327
Average Pace 11:45 / mi | Average Speed 5.11 mph | Elevation Climb 110 ft
Duration 0:40:02 | Calories Burned 352
Average Pace 13:03 / mi | Average Speed 4.60 mph | Elevation Climb 113 ft
10/23/11 - MAJOR RUN FAIL - OK, I didn't exactly elaborate on facebook or RunKeeper but this was a disastrous attempt at a "long run". I set out, as I do on all long run days, with my water, Gatorade, sport beans, towel and phone. I had, of course, already loaded up on Motrin and Zyrtec and was on a mission to get at least 10 miles in. Within the course of the first mile and a half my RunKeeper app crapped out AT LEAST three times, and I received a phone call that killed the music and the app. At this point, I couldn't get the damned thing to run for longer than 15 seconds. I am a creature of habit and I don't take lightly to interruptions. At all. I'll admit it - I gave up. I not only gave up - I came home in a huff and threw a tantrum a three year old would envy.
Duration 0:51:41 | Calories Burned 472
Average Pace 12:54 / mi | Average Speed 4.65 mph | Elevation Climb 151 ft
10/26/11 Received a nice lil note from RunKeeper -
I've hit the 100 activities logged mark!
101 Total Activities
278 Total mi
31,833 Total Calories
SWEET! I didn't realize the app was keeping track! Incredible. The girl who loved her wine, couch, TV and laptop (& admittedly, still does) has logged over 100 activities this year and nearly 300 miles?! Who'da thunk it...
278 Total mi
31,833 Total Calories
SWEET! I didn't realize the app was keeping track! Incredible. The girl who loved her wine, couch, TV and laptop (& admittedly, still does) has logged over 100 activities this year and nearly 300 miles?! Who'da thunk it...
10/28/11 - completed a 2.41 mi run with RunKeeper "
Duration 0:30:01 | Calories Burned 285
Average Pace 12:27 / mi | Average Speed 4.82 mph | Elevation Climb 97 ft
10/29/11 - OctSNOWber - Halloween weekend, 6 inches of some of the rarest snow out there dampened not only my plans for yet another long run, plans for a Halloween party near DC w/friends that I haven't seen in over a year, and our plans to cheer on the sister-coach as she completed her very first marathon (in under 5 hrs thank you very much). We had downed branches and power lines everywhere, and us Hawks were without power for the better part of four days! At first it was cozy and romantic - once the work week started back up, however - we were over it...but thankful for a gas hot water heater, stove, and fireplace. It was dark and quiet but we were clean and warm.
During this year of training we have experienced all sorts of extreme weather - unbearable heat & humidity, crazy amounts of rain, a minor earthquake, a flood, a rare October snow storm....once that snow melted, however, my resolve was strengthened.
11/3/11 - completed a 3.27 mi run with RunKeeper
Duration 0:40:22 | Calories Burned 398
Average Pace 12:21 / mi | Average Speed 4.86 mph | Elevation Climb 133 ft
Duration 0:45:23 | Calories Burned 437
Average Pace 12:34 / mi | Average Speed 4.77 mph | Elevation Climb 135 ft
Duration 2:27:11 | Calories Burned 1241
Average Pace 13:20 / mi | Average Speed 4.50 mph | Elevation Climb 427 ft
Duration 0:30:43 | Calories Burned 332
Average Pace 11:37 / mi | Average Speed 5.17 mph | Elevation Climb 97 ft
Duration 0:37:52 | Calories Burned 368
Average Pace 12:26 / mi | Average Speed 4.82 mph | Elevation Climb 150 ft
Duration 0:51:31 | Calories Burned 476
Average Pace 12:45 / mi | Average Speed 4.70 mph | Elevation Climb 153 ft
11/17/11 - completed a 1.00 mi run with RunKeeper The Great Lock-Out and no I'm not talking about the NBA! I returned home from my super short, just keeping the legs warm only, run to find that my husband had left for work and locked me out. This is his first week at the new gig and since he couldn't really drive home and let me in, after two broken screens, and in turn, two failed attempts at breaking and entering into my own home, I found myself at work....in my running gear. No, I won't live that one down anytime soon.
Duration 0:11:13 | Calories Burned 128
Average Pace 11:12 / mi | Average Speed 5.36 mph | Elevation Climb 38 ft
So, now you are all caught up, and tomorrow we head out to Philadelphia to finish something I started so long ago. It's been a crazy ride, thanks for hitching a ride ;). xx ~V
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Runner's Guilt
For starters, I can't believe it has been over a month since I posted a legitimate blog entry. I know, the before and after pics are cool and all - but that was kind of a cop out. Though, it is increasingly awesome and equally motivating to do those side by side comparisons. I am so entirely different in so many ways than I was just over a year ago. The physical changes are remarkable, but this running game is more mental than I ever gave it credit for. Furthermore, knowing that I CAN do this, makes me feel like I CAN do anything.
Let's be real, no one really thought I was going to see this thing through. My sister has admitted it to me, my boss has informed me that "none" of my co-workers really took this 1/2 marathon thing seriously. Not even my dear, sweet, husband, who by now knows the hardness of this head, thought that in exactly 40 days his wife would be running in a half marathon. (I have suggested that such an awesome feat is gift worthy - will keep you posted).
September was absolutely brutal on the training front. I had no idea that we would be swapping an Indian Summer for a Monsoon Season (hurricane & mini quake to be followed by flood).
Combine the questionable weather with the trifecta of major event planning (one to be postponed due to said flood), throw in a lake trip and this girl was all sorts of off schedule and exhausted. Within the past week or so I have come to feel that I am again in "training mode", and though I run, and run, and run, I still don't really consider myself to be a "runner", I don't call myself a "runner", I'm not trying to race my way through this 1/2 marathon. I'm not in it to win it (obviously), I simply want to finish it. No stopping, with the exception of the water station breaks - oh, and I want the medal, and the post race kiss pic with my man ;).
To date, I have not experienced this elusive runner's high - but I am becoming all too familiar with the lesser known "runner's guilt". You can ask "runners" about the runner's high and you will get varying accounts - I'm guessing because we all have different biological/chemical make up and our bodies respond to things differently. But by definition the runner's high is "a feeling of euphoria experienced by some cross-country runners and joggers as they near the end of a run. The feeling of elation is believed to be associated with the body's production of endorphins during physical stress." Mosby's Medical Dictionary - and yes, I did just make an internal citation in my blog post...too many years of writing papers, but you get my point.
No, I don't personally know this runner's high, but as of late the guilt that I feel when I don't run, or when I don't feel like running is just as powerful! This voice in my head, this nagging feeling I get, then there is the facebook friend postings, so & so just completed a run with RunKeeper!, so & so is headed to DC for a 10 miler, so & so just picked up the weekend race packet. Ok, ok, I get it! That runner's guilt was never more effective than this past Sunday.
Saturday morning was full of family time and vendor food at the National Apple Harvest Festival. Saturday night I basically had a Super Bowl menu all to myself - nachos, wings, beer...aka heaven. Then we hit up a friends party where the festivities continued into the wee hours of the morning with yours truly experiencing her best game of beer pong, ever.
When I awoke Sunday morning, the very LAST thing that I wanted to do was drag my butt to the track. The goal had been to complete 10 miles for the first time since the Rail Trail 10 Miler on 8/27. At this point, that seemed down right insane. I took the dogs out, put on a pot of coffee and stared longingly at the apple dumpling that I picked up at the festival the day before. My stomach grumbled. Fed the dogs, went back upstairs and sat on the bed...then the voice crept in. It's so nice out, you know at least three people running at this very moment, only a little over a month until the 1/2 marathon, you have so many people routing for you....ENOUGH!
Got up, got dressed, popped two Excedrin Migraine, one Zyrtec D and hit the track. I ran the 10 miles in my best 10 mile time (so weird to write), just under 2 hrs & 15 min. The guilt got me out there, but I saw it through. After my nap - yes, there is always a nap on long run day, I realized that if I can run 10 miles after a night filled with crappy food, beer and get out there on 5 hrs of sleep, I'll be smooth sailing on 11/20. Here's hoping!
Let's be real, no one really thought I was going to see this thing through. My sister has admitted it to me, my boss has informed me that "none" of my co-workers really took this 1/2 marathon thing seriously. Not even my dear, sweet, husband, who by now knows the hardness of this head, thought that in exactly 40 days his wife would be running in a half marathon. (I have suggested that such an awesome feat is gift worthy - will keep you posted).
September was absolutely brutal on the training front. I had no idea that we would be swapping an Indian Summer for a Monsoon Season (hurricane & mini quake to be followed by flood).
Combine the questionable weather with the trifecta of major event planning (one to be postponed due to said flood), throw in a lake trip and this girl was all sorts of off schedule and exhausted. Within the past week or so I have come to feel that I am again in "training mode", and though I run, and run, and run, I still don't really consider myself to be a "runner", I don't call myself a "runner", I'm not trying to race my way through this 1/2 marathon. I'm not in it to win it (obviously), I simply want to finish it. No stopping, with the exception of the water station breaks - oh, and I want the medal, and the post race kiss pic with my man ;).
To date, I have not experienced this elusive runner's high - but I am becoming all too familiar with the lesser known "runner's guilt". You can ask "runners" about the runner's high and you will get varying accounts - I'm guessing because we all have different biological/chemical make up and our bodies respond to things differently. But by definition the runner's high is "a feeling of euphoria experienced by some cross-country runners and joggers as they near the end of a run. The feeling of elation is believed to be associated with the body's production of endorphins during physical stress." Mosby's Medical Dictionary - and yes, I did just make an internal citation in my blog post...too many years of writing papers, but you get my point.
No, I don't personally know this runner's high, but as of late the guilt that I feel when I don't run, or when I don't feel like running is just as powerful! This voice in my head, this nagging feeling I get, then there is the facebook friend postings, so & so just completed a run with RunKeeper!, so & so is headed to DC for a 10 miler, so & so just picked up the weekend race packet. Ok, ok, I get it! That runner's guilt was never more effective than this past Sunday.
Saturday morning was full of family time and vendor food at the National Apple Harvest Festival. Saturday night I basically had a Super Bowl menu all to myself - nachos, wings, beer...aka heaven. Then we hit up a friends party where the festivities continued into the wee hours of the morning with yours truly experiencing her best game of beer pong, ever.
When I awoke Sunday morning, the very LAST thing that I wanted to do was drag my butt to the track. The goal had been to complete 10 miles for the first time since the Rail Trail 10 Miler on 8/27. At this point, that seemed down right insane. I took the dogs out, put on a pot of coffee and stared longingly at the apple dumpling that I picked up at the festival the day before. My stomach grumbled. Fed the dogs, went back upstairs and sat on the bed...then the voice crept in. It's so nice out, you know at least three people running at this very moment, only a little over a month until the 1/2 marathon, you have so many people routing for you....ENOUGH!
Got up, got dressed, popped two Excedrin Migraine, one Zyrtec D and hit the track. I ran the 10 miles in my best 10 mile time (so weird to write), just under 2 hrs & 15 min. The guilt got me out there, but I saw it through. After my nap - yes, there is always a nap on long run day, I realized that if I can run 10 miles after a night filled with crappy food, beer and get out there on 5 hrs of sleep, I'll be smooth sailing on 11/20. Here's hoping!
What I've been up to since my last post:
8/31/11 - "F
Duration 0:30:02 | Calories Burned 275
9/3/11 - Rail trail run with Lori - "S
Duration 0:30:02 | Calories Burned 275
Average Pace 12:48 / mi | Average Speed 4.69 mph | Elevation Climb 86 ft
9/3/11 - Rail trail run with Lori - "S
Duration 0:40:03 | Calories Burned 406
9/13/11 - "B
Average Pace 12:35 / mi | Average Speed 4.77 mph | Elevation Climb 247 ft
9/13/11 - "B
Duration 0:30:01 | Calories Burned 295
9/14/11 - "W
Average Pace 12:21 / mi | Average Speed 4.86 mph | Elevation Climb 99 ft
9/14/11 - "W
Duration 0:40:01 | Calories Burned 413
9/16/11 - The Lil Golf Tourney That Could...how many calories does one burn driving around on a golf cart and consuming beers all day?! My husband swears it's a sport (well golf in general), my performance on this day was all star worthy :).
9/18/11 - 9/20/11 - Deep Creek Lake with the bestie & fam...is wine tasting considered an "activity"?
9/20/11 - 9/24/11 - Rain, rain and more rain, then, the threat of rain...this fair weather runner was seriously considering a Planet Fitness membership. Ugh.
9/24/11 - "F
Average Pace 12:05 / mi | Average Speed 4.96 mph | Elevation Climb 130 ft
9/16/11 - The Lil Golf Tourney That Could...how many calories does one burn driving around on a golf cart and consuming beers all day?! My husband swears it's a sport (well golf in general), my performance on this day was all star worthy :).
9/18/11 - 9/20/11 - Deep Creek Lake with the bestie & fam...is wine tasting considered an "activity"?
9/20/11 - 9/24/11 - Rain, rain and more rain, then, the threat of rain...this fair weather runner was seriously considering a Planet Fitness membership. Ugh.
9/24/11 - "F
Duration 1:08:59 | Calories Burned 548
9/28/11 - "T
Average Pace 13:46 / mi | Average Speed 4.36 mph | Elevation Climb 266 ft
9/28/11 - "T
Duration 0:45:01 | Calories Burned 391
9/29/11 - Wine & Tapas Ladies Event for Roseville Wealth Management Group - actually wanted to run, but alas, another rain soaked a.m.
10/4/11 - "B
Average Pace 13:04 / mi | Average Speed 4.59 mph | Elevation Climb 141 ft
9/29/11 - Wine & Tapas Ladies Event for Roseville Wealth Management Group - actually wanted to run, but alas, another rain soaked a.m.
10/4/11 - "B
Duration 0:45:01 | Calories Burned 380
10/5/11 - "D
Average Pace 13:17 / mi | Average Speed 4.52 mph | Elevation Climb 138 ft
10/5/11 - "D
Duration 0:40:00 | Calories Burned 199
10/6/11 - "C
Average Pace 19:54 / mi | Average Speed 3.01 mph | Elevation Climb 198 ft
10/6/11 - "C
Duration 0:52:22 | Calories Burned 454
10/9/11 - "G
Average Pace 13:05 / mi | Average Speed 4.59 mph | Elevation Climb 146 ft
10/9/11 - "G
Duration 2:14:53 | Calories Burned 1178
Average Pace 13:29 / mi | Average Speed 4.45 mph | Elevation Climb 334 ft
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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