Monday, June 27, 2011
Making progress & Crazy Track People :)
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Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Vacation Hangover
Greetings! A much tanner and somewhat more relaxed Vyotta coming to you this fine lunch break :). Probably should've blogged on Sunday night when I was still on that vacation high, all kumbaya and stuff. But alas, the day after our return from the amazingly beautiful Aruba, I was once again grocery shopping, helping with the yard work, cooking, cleaning and doing approximately 6 loads of laundry. I swear the hubby not only over packs but places un-worn items back in the laundry pile...I just know it! I did not run in Aruba. My last run before this morning was on May 19th - 4 miles in 52:12.
When I left for vacation I felt pretty fantastic. The morning of our departure, still bleary eyed in the 4:30 a.m. haze, I weighed myself and was down another 2 lbs. (fist pump!). I did pack my running gear, but let's be real - I'm no die hard, and the fact that I've been running so regularly AND watching my weight, AND not hurting anyone is pretty impressive and I gave myself permission to be off last week...guilt free.
We did grocery shop since our "studio" had a full-ish kitchen. I prepared egg whites and turkey bacon a few mornings, and we packed turkey sandwiches and snacked on pretzels and chips & salsa for lunch...nothing too fattening. That was, of course, to make up for the extreme amount of calories consumed at dinner, for dessert, while on the beach, by the pool and after our post-dinner strolls in the form of alcoholic beverages.
Many a fruity frozen concoction was enjoyed in the Aruba sun. Many a tasty glass of white or red wine sipped as we dined. And let's not forget our bar tab at Senor Frogs ...I blinked to make sure that the figure only included drinks. Needless to say - a good time was had by us Hawks. Another plus to vacation is the fact that I'm wayyy more active than I would be seated at my desk all week. We explored in our rented Jeep Wranglers - yes, plural, don't ask. We climbed rocks, ventured into caves, swam, snorkeled, walked, and then of course there was that other, ahem, cardio...
I honestly felt just as good upon our return - just tired...then came the dreaded vacation hangover! You are so high for the week, forgetting what day it is and such, then you're on a plane, and the reality of what awaits you when you get home hits. Then you're in rush mode tyring to get things back in order, sorted, washed, organized. And then, the absolute worst part of vacation hangover - the return to the office! That's right missy - no more flip flops and sun dresses for you. And though it feels like it's 800 degrees as it was in Aruba - there is no pool, no pool bar, no beach for your refreshment. UGH.
Because Tuesday was my first day back to the office and Monday dragged on through an endless string of household chores, there would be no Monday or Tuesday a.m. run. Mid Tuesday I get an e-mail from RunKeeper, you know that app that I rave and rave about. Turns out - we're not friends. More like - frenemies...the e-mail read something to the affect of get your lazy a$$ moving lady, you haven't ran in almost two weeks and we're keeping track! Ok, so maybe that isn't an exact quote, but of course this girl, with the vacation hangover and a desk full of paperwork and To Do's, took it that way.
So today, at just before 7:00 a.m. on this very 1st day of June, I hit the track. The temperature in my car read 77 degrees. It was hot, and thick, and I felt like I was running in slow motion. I had dressed in my lightest clothes as I knew it would be a scorcher. But I was not prepared to run in that heat. Remember when I complained about the freezing temps last winter - maybe they weren't so bad. What I wouldn't give for a breezy summer morning. I ran for a 1/2 hour and completed 2.26 miles. It was brutal! I stopped three times for a swig of my water. Guess who isnt' looking forward to tomorrow?! We have a long summer ahead of us.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Big Stuff!
It's been about two weeks since my last blog - and well, as usual, much has happened.
There are things that I have been meaning to write, but just didn't have the time, energy, etc.
1) We booked our rooms for the Philadelphia 1/2 marathon 11/20 - there is absolutely NO turning back at this point.
2) I'm on a new "program" per the coach - details below...
3) As of 5/16 I'm down 15.2 lbs (since 4/4)!
4) We leave for Aruba in less than a week and I couldn't be more excited
5) I've scheduled an appointment with a leader in the fertility world at John's Hopkins for a second opinion and perhaps a new plan of attack starting in 2012
6) The overwhelming notes, e-mails and words of encouragement just keep coming. Truly, the greatest motivator and so so humbling.
7) as of 5/5 this was my status update according to sister-coach:
45 runs, 74.81 miles, 25 miles in month of April
See - big stuff!
After the Out & Back I knew that I would be pushing past 4 miles fairly quickly, I knew that given our time frame, I needed to. That didn't mean that I was necessarily looking forward to it - nor was I prepared for the exhausting new "program" Janelle was proposing. Here's what I got by e-mail:
There are things that I have been meaning to write, but just didn't have the time, energy, etc.
1) We booked our rooms for the Philadelphia 1/2 marathon 11/20 - there is absolutely NO turning back at this point.
2) I'm on a new "program" per the coach - details below...
3) As of 5/16 I'm down 15.2 lbs (since 4/4)!
4) We leave for Aruba in less than a week and I couldn't be more excited
5) I've scheduled an appointment with a leader in the fertility world at John's Hopkins for a second opinion and perhaps a new plan of attack starting in 2012
6) The overwhelming notes, e-mails and words of encouragement just keep coming. Truly, the greatest motivator and so so humbling.
7) as of 5/5 this was my status update according to sister-coach:
45 runs, 74.81 miles, 25 miles in month of April
See - big stuff!
After the Out & Back I knew that I would be pushing past 4 miles fairly quickly, I knew that given our time frame, I needed to. That didn't mean that I was necessarily looking forward to it - nor was I prepared for the exhausting new "program" Janelle was proposing. Here's what I got by e-mail:
Workout Plan May-June
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
Run 4 miles or 50 minutes (stretch) | Rest (stretch/yoga) | Run 2 miles or 30 minutes (stretch) | Run 4 miles or 50 minutes (stretch) | Walk or ride bike for 1 hour (stretch/yoga) | Run 5-6 miles or 80 minutes (stretch) | Rest (stretch/yoga) |
Total Mileage Per Week:15-16 miles
Workout Plan July-August
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
Run 5 miles or 60 minutes (stretch) | Rest (stretch/yoga) | Run 3 miles or 45 minutes (stretch) | Run 4 miles or 50 minutes (stretch) | Walk or ride bike for 30 minutes (stretch/yoga) | Run 7-8 miles or 100 minutes (stretch) | Rest (stretch/yoga) |
Total Mileage Per Week:19-20 miles
Workout Plan September-October
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
Run 5 miles or 60 minutes (stretch) | Rest (stretch/yoga) | Run 4 miles or 50 minutes (stretch) | Run 4 miles or 50 minutes (stretch) | Rest (stretch/yoga) | Run 9-10 miles or 120 minutes (stretch) | Rest (stretch/yoga) |
Total Mileage Per Week:22-23 miles
Workout Plan November
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
Run 5 miles or 60 minutes (stretch) | Rest (stretch/yoga) | Run 4 miles or 50minutes (stretch) | Run 4 miles or 50 minutes (stretch) | Rest (stretch/yoga) | Run 10-12 miles or 2.5 hours (stretch) | Rest (stretch/yoga) |
Total Mileage Per Week:23-25 miles
Now, she mentioned that we could adjust as needed...but I was dumbfounded after looking at this thing. How could I possibly do this?! That weekend we did agree to switch out the Monday/Wednesday routines - I mean, I like NEVER ran on a Monday, a short run is really the best I could do.
Last week I attacked this program - for reals.
Monday 5/9 - 2.27 miles in 30 min.(a record)...not bad, even though I had a dentist appointment, full work day, evening dermatologist appointment and a grocery store visit in store, my butt still made it to the track and did the Monday-runday thing.
Tuesday 5/10 - I walked 3.44 miles in 1:11:36 w/D-Dana - then we bbq-d and sipped skinnygirl margaritas on her deck as a reward :)
Wednesday 5/11 - 4 miles in 52:07 and if you're keeping track - that too is a record! Oh and might I add that I had to pause, run backwards, and again remind "Miss Daisy" that the running lanes are 1 & 2...grrr, you would think that given the sunshine, my imposing shadow, and heavy panting, she might want to slide on over as I nip at her heels, nah. If I'm ever arrested for elder abuse - it really isn't what you think...she had it coming! I kid :)
Thursday 5/12 - I straight up COULD NOT do it. I had the clothes laid out the night before and the best of intentions but this girl's a$$ was dragging...
Friday 5/13 - 1hr on the elliptical at Gold's (705.3 cals burned) w/Lori followed by wings & beer and I'm not sorry. Nope.
Saturday 5/14 - I knew this was the day I had to face the 5 miler. Rarely do I wear my glasses or lug the purse when I go to Suburban to run on the track. It's 2 min. from my house, if that - I put on my clothes, grab my spare car key and go. This proved a bit tricky on Saturday, however. I got to the track around 8:30 a.m. and wouldn't you know - a track meet. Drat!
So I then head over to Penn State York in search of a track to run on - no dice. I make the choice to drive over to York College - coincidentally enough, the site of my first ever mile walk/run all those many months ago. My vision isn't terrible without my glasses - but navigation proved a bit tricky as I made my way across Rathton Rd. and realized that it was commencement day....and there were many cones and campus security/rent a cop guys all over the roadway. I made it to the track though and was probably spared a ticket for parking in the faculty lot due to the fact that there were cars from near and far parked anywhere and everywhere for the graduation.
So I then head over to Penn State York in search of a track to run on - no dice. I make the choice to drive over to York College - coincidentally enough, the site of my first ever mile walk/run all those many months ago. My vision isn't terrible without my glasses - but navigation proved a bit tricky as I made my way across Rathton Rd. and realized that it was commencement day....and there were many cones and campus security/rent a cop guys all over the roadway. I made it to the track though and was probably spared a ticket for parking in the faculty lot due to the fact that there were cars from near and far parked anywhere and everywhere for the graduation.
The track was harder than I remembered. Felt like road running only on a flatter surface. It was overcast and every once in a while some mist would fall from the sky. Truth be told - it felt freakin' amazing at about the 3 mile mark. It was sticky and humid and I felt every step. It was not an easy run by any means. I don't know if I had psyched myself out or the jump from 4 to 5 miles is supposed to suck that bad, but when it was over, I was happy....and sore.
This week the rain has thus far kept me sidelined (which is ok - since I'm still recovering), if all goes as planned though, I'll be back at the track tomorrow morning. I'll say this in advance, however, at this point I'm making NO promises for Aruba, this girl needs some R & R!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Out & Back Weekend - Philadelphia, PA
What a weekend!
I apologize for the delay in the post-run blog post, but I feel like I'm only just beginning to recover!
I need to clarify, the race wasn't bad - but you combine the 3-4 miles walking around downtown Philly prior to the run, then the race, then the after party, then the after-after party @ Geno's, then an up early road trip to AC followed by a late dinner @ Cuba Libre, another mile walk to Max Brenner for sinful deliciousness, up early for departure after a stop @ Honey's Sit & Eat (HIGHLY recommend), the drive home, the unpacking, laundry, whew!
This crew can pack a weekend, fo sho.
Friday the 29th was perfect road trip weather. We were in Philadelphia in a matter of hours. This girl got to sleep in and catch the highlights of the Royal hubbub before we departed York. We made it to the hotel a couple of hours before the Killian's (which would later prove problematic), had lunch, got changed and hit the city. A perfect Spring afternoon with only a few sprinkles threatening the cool, sunny, race conditions. I felt really good - well rested, calm, cool, relaxed. I felt that even if I began to tire during the run that I could convince myself to keep going because I KNEW that I could and had already run this distance several times.
My adorable hubby was waiting, waiving, and carrying on when I crested the final & only hill at the end of the race (so cruel that they do that), I knew that I was ahead of my best time thanks to my RunKeeper app and I knew that I must have been doing really well for him to be so excited and encouraging. I crossed the finish line in 52:19. That's over two minutes that I knocked off my previous "best" four miles. It was a great feeling! You know what else was a great feeling? Beer bubbles tickling my throat at the Lemon Hill Mansion afterwards! It's still a long way to 13.1...
PS - I'm down 8 lbs even AFTER last weekend!
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| New Gear pre-race at the no-tel, motel, Holiday Inn |
I apologize for the delay in the post-run blog post, but I feel like I'm only just beginning to recover!
I need to clarify, the race wasn't bad - but you combine the 3-4 miles walking around downtown Philly prior to the run, then the race, then the after party, then the after-after party @ Geno's, then an up early road trip to AC followed by a late dinner @ Cuba Libre, another mile walk to Max Brenner for sinful deliciousness, up early for departure after a stop @ Honey's Sit & Eat (HIGHLY recommend), the drive home, the unpacking, laundry, whew!
This crew can pack a weekend, fo sho.
Friday the 29th was perfect road trip weather. We were in Philadelphia in a matter of hours. This girl got to sleep in and catch the highlights of the Royal hubbub before we departed York. We made it to the hotel a couple of hours before the Killian's (which would later prove problematic), had lunch, got changed and hit the city. A perfect Spring afternoon with only a few sprinkles threatening the cool, sunny, race conditions. I felt really good - well rested, calm, cool, relaxed. I felt that even if I began to tire during the run that I could convince myself to keep going because I KNEW that I could and had already run this distance several times.
 |
| Officially Official - yes I'm running, yes I want to be timed! |
After my run in at the Under Armour outlet with the sales guy clarifying that the running gear that I was shopping for was actually for me I had convinced myself that I was just being "sensitive". The lady at the race day registration table was way more offending, however. Shawn had decided that in order to partake in the after party awesomeness he would buy a race day bib, get the bracelet and watch from the sidelines. I had already picked up my goods and met him at the registration table when the lady taking his payment looked at me and asked if I was running. I said yes. She then asked if I knew that I was being timed (my bib was different than Shawn's). I again replied, yes. She said "oh". If there was any doubt that I was being "sensitive" at that point, that theory went out the window...especially since the hubby could now corroborate the story. Sheesh! Shawn & I decided that at that moment the best thing that we (meaning I of course) could do was prove them wrong. Which I did.
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| Michele & I pre-race |
I ran the whole four miles, and I wasn't dragging, dying, gasping or anything - well not that I could hear over my blaring music, anyway. Michele and an old friend from high school had passed me on my way "out" and their way "back" and both commented how comfortable and relaxed I looked. I felt that way too! I felt super official when I grabbed a cup of water, took a sip, and threw it down on the ground at the turnaround - you know, how they do on TV?! Michele finished in under 39 minutes then ran back to join me in my last 1/2 mile - super nice of her, especially since we royally pissed them off by leaving the hotel and wandering aimlessly around Ben Franklin Pkwy pre-race. She reminded me to keep my head up, which would help with my breathing. plus "you want to look ahead at where you are going, not back to where you been". I do love that crazy lady and look forward to cheering her on at the Marine Corps Marathon this October.
PS - I'm down 8 lbs even AFTER last weekend!
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| At the finish line...my face matching the color of my shirt! |
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
T + 2
Been slacking on the blog front but still plugging away at the running/healthier eating habits business which is a good thing because the Out & Back Party Run in Philadelphia is this Friday. That's right - as in two days from now. YIKES!
Here's what we know:
1) That I CAN run four miles straight, though it's never been road tested.
2) That at even my best four miles I'm still waaay slower than Michele "just signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon" Killian. I'm at about 13.5 min. per mile and she's clocking around 10 min. per mile. Suffice it to say, I plan on flying solo Friday but am hopeful that the other runners motivate me and my time improves.
3) I have some cute new warm weather gear thanks to the folks at the Under Armour outlet (yes, dude with the tattoo sleeves, they ARE for me!). I still can't believe that I went directly to the UA store and directly home. No Pottery Barn, no Coach, this girl was on a mission - albeit, an unfamiliar one.
4) We're staying the weekend in Philly and possibly making a trip to AC Saturday, so I've got some fun stuff to think about while I'm running.
5) For all intents & purposes it appears that we are being robbed of Spring. The heat and humidity that we are currently experiencing is unseasonable (hence the new lightweight running gear). The forecast for Friday in Philadelphia is partly cloudy, high of 67 degrees, much cooler than the beginning of the week - woot! Fingers crossed for no rain.
6) Still not sure how much of a "party" it will be afterwards considering we're not sure our hubbys can even get in! :(
Ok, so if my last blog was 4/11 I'll update my progress since then:
4/14 -6:26 a.m. (blah) 4 miles in 55:14
4/17 - 8:24 a.m. .26 miles in 3:33 LOL - it was sunny but so freakin' windy my eyes were watering and my body was swaying, had to pack it in!
4/19 - app crapped out recorded it in two half's but didn't account for the fumbling time between the phone shutting off, restarting and getting my tunes and timer back up & running (all while still running) 2:21 miles in 29:57, 1.58 miles in 23:19.
4/24 - Easter Sunday 7:53 a.m. only ran 2 miles (26:58) because it was so warm and I was overdressed, plain & simple. I kicked into high gear though at the end and my time was decent.
426 - LAST run before the Out & Back 6:45 a.m. 4 miles in 54:24. So so hot! It was 67 degrees when I got to the track I wore a racer back tank and some sweat capris I dug out of the lounge wear drawer. Was so hot when I finished I couldn't stand the thought of eating breakfast and took a cold shower - by choice, not because Shawn had used all the hot water - which I think he probably had!
I know that I can be silly and a bit of a smart ass about this - but I wanted to take some time and address something really wonderful that's happening as a result of this journey I'm (or should I say "we're") on.
I've been getting little notes, posts, comments of encouragement that are truly touching. I've had people tell me that I've inspired them to start a walking regimen, people tell me that I've inspired them to run their first 5k, and most recently a friend from high school sent me the following message:
"Hello Lady....I want to start with a CONGRATS on all your hard work and also a THANK YOU for the ongoing inspiration. I have been running for quite some time,but have yet to hit a race. I am starting a running program next week that is an 8 week course. I am highly considering the Half in Philly....just cuz I need a super goal.
I have been going to an intense bootcamp 4x's a week and have made great strides, but was still struggling a bit. So, in reading your weekly updates, I finally broke down and joined weight watchers last week. I weighed in today and lost 3.8 lbs. You were the first person I thought of!
I hope your struggles/adventures are still going well....I am rooting for you (and Me!)
thanks for some additional inspiration!!"
When I began this blog/challenge I NEVER imagined the overwhelming amount of support that I would receive - nor did I set out to inspire others. What an incredible motivator - I need to keep plugging away at this for me...and for anyone reading this that might need that extra push.
I do have more to share but maybe I'll just save it for my post race update - I think this is a fantastic spot to wrap this post up. You'll be with me in spirit on Friday!!
Here's what we know:
1) That I CAN run four miles straight, though it's never been road tested.
2) That at even my best four miles I'm still waaay slower than Michele "just signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon" Killian. I'm at about 13.5 min. per mile and she's clocking around 10 min. per mile. Suffice it to say, I plan on flying solo Friday but am hopeful that the other runners motivate me and my time improves.
3) I have some cute new warm weather gear thanks to the folks at the Under Armour outlet (yes, dude with the tattoo sleeves, they ARE for me!). I still can't believe that I went directly to the UA store and directly home. No Pottery Barn, no Coach, this girl was on a mission - albeit, an unfamiliar one.
4) We're staying the weekend in Philly and possibly making a trip to AC Saturday, so I've got some fun stuff to think about while I'm running.
5) For all intents & purposes it appears that we are being robbed of Spring. The heat and humidity that we are currently experiencing is unseasonable (hence the new lightweight running gear). The forecast for Friday in Philadelphia is partly cloudy, high of 67 degrees, much cooler than the beginning of the week - woot! Fingers crossed for no rain.
6) Still not sure how much of a "party" it will be afterwards considering we're not sure our hubbys can even get in! :(
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| New Gear |
Ok, so if my last blog was 4/11 I'll update my progress since then:
4/14 -6:26 a.m. (blah) 4 miles in 55:14
4/17 - 8:24 a.m. .26 miles in 3:33 LOL - it was sunny but so freakin' windy my eyes were watering and my body was swaying, had to pack it in!
4/19 - app crapped out recorded it in two half's but didn't account for the fumbling time between the phone shutting off, restarting and getting my tunes and timer back up & running (all while still running) 2:21 miles in 29:57, 1.58 miles in 23:19.
4/24 - Easter Sunday 7:53 a.m. only ran 2 miles (26:58) because it was so warm and I was overdressed, plain & simple. I kicked into high gear though at the end and my time was decent.
426 - LAST run before the Out & Back 6:45 a.m. 4 miles in 54:24. So so hot! It was 67 degrees when I got to the track I wore a racer back tank and some sweat capris I dug out of the lounge wear drawer. Was so hot when I finished I couldn't stand the thought of eating breakfast and took a cold shower - by choice, not because Shawn had used all the hot water - which I think he probably had!
I know that I can be silly and a bit of a smart ass about this - but I wanted to take some time and address something really wonderful that's happening as a result of this journey I'm (or should I say "we're") on.
I've been getting little notes, posts, comments of encouragement that are truly touching. I've had people tell me that I've inspired them to start a walking regimen, people tell me that I've inspired them to run their first 5k, and most recently a friend from high school sent me the following message:
"Hello Lady....I want to start with a CONGRATS on all your hard work and also a THANK YOU for the ongoing inspiration. I have been running for quite some time,but have yet to hit a race. I am starting a running program next week that is an 8 week course. I am highly considering the Half in Philly....just cuz I need a super goal.
I have been going to an intense bootcamp 4x's a week and have made great strides, but was still struggling a bit. So, in reading your weekly updates, I finally broke down and joined weight watchers last week. I weighed in today and lost 3.8 lbs. You were the first person I thought of!
I hope your struggles/adventures are still going well....I am rooting for you (and Me!)
thanks for some additional inspiration!!"
When I began this blog/challenge I NEVER imagined the overwhelming amount of support that I would receive - nor did I set out to inspire others. What an incredible motivator - I need to keep plugging away at this for me...and for anyone reading this that might need that extra push.
I do have more to share but maybe I'll just save it for my post race update - I think this is a fantastic spot to wrap this post up. You'll be with me in spirit on Friday!!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Updates, updates, updates
So so much happening with this running business. I've got some pretty big updates to share with my "official" followers and those of you who sneak a peek at my blog via facebook or twitter postings just to be nosy :P.
First and foremost, I hit another milestone this weekend in running 4 consecutive miles without stopping! It was a beautiful day on Saturday, and following breakfast and a vet visit with my doggies, Shawn headed into the office and I headed to the track.
I was virtually alone at the track minus the small group tossing a lacrosse ball back & forth in the in-field and the lady with kid running wildy for a few hundred feet and then gasping for air, only to then work on his perfection of the backward run. I started off with the long sleeved tee/fleece vest/running pant combo but right around the 2 mile marker the vest HAD to go. I need ideas for light weight running shirts with either pockets that zip or a space big enough to fit my Droid and car key in - again, welcoming suggestions. Because I was fresh out of pockets, the phone went into the sports bra - hey, you do whatcha gotta do! The run went ok, I felt pretty good, my Pandora was kicking out some inspiring tunes and it was sunny yet breezy.
I finished the 4 miles in 55:22. And though I'm not particularly happy with the split - I'm feeling as though I'm accomplishing good things. I may not enjoy the actual "running" part - but I'm gaining self-confidence, I'm feeling more energetic (in general, not after the runs), and overall, a bit more optimistic. That being said, after the run, I went directly to the wine store - I did not pass go, I did not collect $200, right to wine store. Found some great deals and got enough bottles to fill our wine rack (which holds 6 bottles, relax). Even though I've yet to open any of them, at that moment, I had every intention of doing so.
What I wanted more than wine, however, was food! Directly beside the liquor store is a pizza joint, and for the only time in my life that I can remember - I ordered a single slice of pizza. This girl was exhausted from the run and starving from the light breakfast she had had 5 hrs. prior, what I didn't want was to wait 20 min. for a slice of pizza...but I did, with my wine in tow, and in my super sexy running gear. At that point, I could have really cared less what a single soul in that pizzeria thought of me. The pizza was divine, and worth every point and minute spent waiting. Equally divine was the 2 hr. nap that followed my late lunch & work-out.
I lost 3lbs in the last week thanks to the Weight Watchers Points Plus program/running combo and feel pretty good about that...and the fact that I was able to eat pizza, chocolate fondue, have a few drinks, etc. I need something realistic w/"cheat" days if I'm going to stay the course - plain & simple.
My sister updated me on my progress as well (these #'s don't include the 4 mi. on Saturday):
"You have successfully completed 39 runs
You have completed 59.83 miles
You have clocked ~850 minutes of training time
Which converts to ~14 hours of running :-)
And you say you can't run for two hours lol."
Another terrifying update is the fact that we may have very well "found" my 1/2:
First and foremost, I hit another milestone this weekend in running 4 consecutive miles without stopping! It was a beautiful day on Saturday, and following breakfast and a vet visit with my doggies, Shawn headed into the office and I headed to the track.
I was virtually alone at the track minus the small group tossing a lacrosse ball back & forth in the in-field and the lady with kid running wildy for a few hundred feet and then gasping for air, only to then work on his perfection of the backward run. I started off with the long sleeved tee/fleece vest/running pant combo but right around the 2 mile marker the vest HAD to go. I need ideas for light weight running shirts with either pockets that zip or a space big enough to fit my Droid and car key in - again, welcoming suggestions. Because I was fresh out of pockets, the phone went into the sports bra - hey, you do whatcha gotta do! The run went ok, I felt pretty good, my Pandora was kicking out some inspiring tunes and it was sunny yet breezy.
I finished the 4 miles in 55:22. And though I'm not particularly happy with the split - I'm feeling as though I'm accomplishing good things. I may not enjoy the actual "running" part - but I'm gaining self-confidence, I'm feeling more energetic (in general, not after the runs), and overall, a bit more optimistic. That being said, after the run, I went directly to the wine store - I did not pass go, I did not collect $200, right to wine store. Found some great deals and got enough bottles to fill our wine rack (which holds 6 bottles, relax). Even though I've yet to open any of them, at that moment, I had every intention of doing so.
What I wanted more than wine, however, was food! Directly beside the liquor store is a pizza joint, and for the only time in my life that I can remember - I ordered a single slice of pizza. This girl was exhausted from the run and starving from the light breakfast she had had 5 hrs. prior, what I didn't want was to wait 20 min. for a slice of pizza...but I did, with my wine in tow, and in my super sexy running gear. At that point, I could have really cared less what a single soul in that pizzeria thought of me. The pizza was divine, and worth every point and minute spent waiting. Equally divine was the 2 hr. nap that followed my late lunch & work-out.
I lost 3lbs in the last week thanks to the Weight Watchers Points Plus program/running combo and feel pretty good about that...and the fact that I was able to eat pizza, chocolate fondue, have a few drinks, etc. I need something realistic w/"cheat" days if I'm going to stay the course - plain & simple.
My sister updated me on my progress as well (these #'s don't include the 4 mi. on Saturday):
"You have successfully completed 39 runs
You have completed 59.83 miles
You have clocked ~850 minutes of training time
Which converts to ~14 hours of running :-)
And you say you can't run for two hours lol."
Another terrifying update is the fact that we may have very well "found" my 1/2:
www.philadelphiamarathon.com
Because I have made it this far and would really like to see this journey through, Shawn and I have made the decision to hold off on the IVF process until January of 2012. And though it stings a little bit, I have to believe that by then I will be in fighting shape and spirit. Now of course, if a little miracle should happen upon us in the meantime, we would be thrilled - one thing we know from experience is that the best laid plans are sometimes broken, and that can be where you find some of the best stuff life has to offer.
Friday, November 18 12:00 PM-9:00 PM Saturday, November
Because I have made it this far and would really like to see this journey through, Shawn and I have made the decision to hold off on the IVF process until January of 2012. And though it stings a little bit, I have to believe that by then I will be in fighting shape and spirit. Now of course, if a little miracle should happen upon us in the meantime, we would be thrilled - one thing we know from experience is that the best laid plans are sometimes broken, and that can be where you find some of the best stuff life has to offer.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tread lightly...
So, I'm doing a bit better with my blog frequency. Lots happening, and I feel I should document it.
First let me state that I only got one run in last week due to the ever comedic Mother Nature. Winter 2011 is/was/will forever be known as the Winter that just wouldn't die. You know the whole "March comes in like a lion, goes out like a lamb" business - uh, yeah, not so much. This was apparently opposite year for the month of March, and those among us craving Spring like a frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity were S.O.L.! To further prove that she's the funniest of all forces in the universe, she gave us one heck of an April Fool's Day prank...snow, yep, snow.
By the time the rain and the prank snow rolled out last week, the weekend was upon us. Saturday I spent the day getting myself pampered at the spa with my mother-in-law. I feel like monthly pedicures should be offered at no charge for those of us in training for a 1/2 marathon.
Sunday, rather than run, I hit Gold's Gym with my very best girlfriend. At times it's hard to find time for us to chit chat and catch up, we decided that it was time to make a date and do what we ladies do best...no, not gossip, multi-task :). We spent a half hour on the elliptical, then we did some ab, core and arm work-outs that her trainer had taught her. I did not fall off the balance ball for once, and must have been doing something right because if I so much as coughed the next two days, I still felt it. After the work-out we re-fueled at Ruby Tuesday before heading out to do our grocery shopping. She made my most hated of chores enjoyable, and it was nice to reconnect, even if over our mundane weekend tasks.
Monday brought seasonally warm temps and a double dog walk after work. We did a little over a mile though the dogs make it feel much longer with their pulling, barking, stepping on each other, relieving themselves in the middle of the street, etc. Tuesday brought, wait for it, more rain! Yes, it is impossible for those of us in South Central PA to enjoy two consecutive days of sunshine and warmth.
Something else has begun this week, which should have those close to me or within arms or ears distance particularly concerned - the return to Weight Watchers. And though I'm flying solo this time around, it's a new program that seems like an o.k. fit for me. In the past I lost nearly 100 lbs. on the program, I'm hopeful that with this plan, in addition to the miles I've been logging, I will start seeing some results. Aside from the constant eating and peeing, I feel good. Oh, and thank you God for "activity points"!
My husband mentioned to me on Sunday that he thinks he wants to quit smoking. When I asked what brought that on, he stated that he just doesn't enjoy it as much anymore. Now, anyone that knows Shawn and I understands that smoking is our worst vice...period. And while I'm a pro at the cold turkey I can do without it business, Shawn hasn't ever really gotten to that point. Lately I've been a cigarette in the a.m., a few in the p.m. kind of girl. It is a very social thing with us. We have a cigarette outside while the dogs do their business or play in the yard, we talk about the day, etc. To finally, once and for all quit, will be so much easier once both of us are on board. I'm crossing my fingers, but not holding my breath. So, dieting and quitting smoking, consider yourselves warned - those in my presence may want to tread lightly...
This morning I was up and at the track by 6:30 a.m. The alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m., I must do a better job of actually getting up at that time, rather than pushing the snooze button, once, twice, sometimes three times.
It was nice this morning, around 35 degrees at the track. I wore my gloves for the first mile and a half. I got the stink-eye from an older lady because I became one of those runners who had to actually say something about the walkers clogging up the first lane at the track. Oh, well, she wouldn't have wanted this girl to plow her over. I was barely awake, and definitely cranky. She's lucky an "excuse me" is all she got. C'mon - there's like 5 other lanes Miss Daisy! My time this morning was 38:02 for 3 miles. It was a personal best for a 3 mile and I was love love loving my Pandora for selecting Usher's More and Flo rida's Club Can't Handle Me at the precise moments I needed an extra push. Word.
First let me state that I only got one run in last week due to the ever comedic Mother Nature. Winter 2011 is/was/will forever be known as the Winter that just wouldn't die. You know the whole "March comes in like a lion, goes out like a lamb" business - uh, yeah, not so much. This was apparently opposite year for the month of March, and those among us craving Spring like a frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity were S.O.L.! To further prove that she's the funniest of all forces in the universe, she gave us one heck of an April Fool's Day prank...snow, yep, snow.
By the time the rain and the prank snow rolled out last week, the weekend was upon us. Saturday I spent the day getting myself pampered at the spa with my mother-in-law. I feel like monthly pedicures should be offered at no charge for those of us in training for a 1/2 marathon.
Sunday, rather than run, I hit Gold's Gym with my very best girlfriend. At times it's hard to find time for us to chit chat and catch up, we decided that it was time to make a date and do what we ladies do best...no, not gossip, multi-task :). We spent a half hour on the elliptical, then we did some ab, core and arm work-outs that her trainer had taught her. I did not fall off the balance ball for once, and must have been doing something right because if I so much as coughed the next two days, I still felt it. After the work-out we re-fueled at Ruby Tuesday before heading out to do our grocery shopping. She made my most hated of chores enjoyable, and it was nice to reconnect, even if over our mundane weekend tasks.
Monday brought seasonally warm temps and a double dog walk after work. We did a little over a mile though the dogs make it feel much longer with their pulling, barking, stepping on each other, relieving themselves in the middle of the street, etc. Tuesday brought, wait for it, more rain! Yes, it is impossible for those of us in South Central PA to enjoy two consecutive days of sunshine and warmth.
Something else has begun this week, which should have those close to me or within arms or ears distance particularly concerned - the return to Weight Watchers. And though I'm flying solo this time around, it's a new program that seems like an o.k. fit for me. In the past I lost nearly 100 lbs. on the program, I'm hopeful that with this plan, in addition to the miles I've been logging, I will start seeing some results. Aside from the constant eating and peeing, I feel good. Oh, and thank you God for "activity points"!
My husband mentioned to me on Sunday that he thinks he wants to quit smoking. When I asked what brought that on, he stated that he just doesn't enjoy it as much anymore. Now, anyone that knows Shawn and I understands that smoking is our worst vice...period. And while I'm a pro at the cold turkey I can do without it business, Shawn hasn't ever really gotten to that point. Lately I've been a cigarette in the a.m., a few in the p.m. kind of girl. It is a very social thing with us. We have a cigarette outside while the dogs do their business or play in the yard, we talk about the day, etc. To finally, once and for all quit, will be so much easier once both of us are on board. I'm crossing my fingers, but not holding my breath. So, dieting and quitting smoking, consider yourselves warned - those in my presence may want to tread lightly...
This morning I was up and at the track by 6:30 a.m. The alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m., I must do a better job of actually getting up at that time, rather than pushing the snooze button, once, twice, sometimes three times.
It was nice this morning, around 35 degrees at the track. I wore my gloves for the first mile and a half. I got the stink-eye from an older lady because I became one of those runners who had to actually say something about the walkers clogging up the first lane at the track. Oh, well, she wouldn't have wanted this girl to plow her over. I was barely awake, and definitely cranky. She's lucky an "excuse me" is all she got. C'mon - there's like 5 other lanes Miss Daisy! My time this morning was 38:02 for 3 miles. It was a personal best for a 3 mile and I was love love loving my Pandora for selecting Usher's More and Flo rida's Club Can't Handle Me at the precise moments I needed an extra push. Word.
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