Monday, December 31, 2012

New Goals...2013 here we come~

So...I did not meet my 2012 goal to run 1,000 miles...not by a long shot! In fact, the only goal I reached was the no injuries one...and that is debatable...I would say I did ok dodging overtraining-related injuries. So...

This year is a new one. I decided I don't like resolutions. It seems like you need to have a goal breakdown, and each month should have it's own mini-goal to make it effective. So this year I just have one goal...I will run my first marathon. I am already registered for the Eugene Marathon, April 28th so there is no turning back now! It is somewhere in the middle of spring term, so I'm just going to have to make room for training.




Training...another great subject. I have found that if I am not working toward something, I fall off the wagon quickly! This time around, I downloaded the Personal Running Trainer App, which so far I like. There is a virtual trainer in your head explaining your workout, and prompting you when it is time to warm-up, run, cool-down, etc. along with tips like stretching, etc. All very good reminders.

The marathon training plan is 16 weeks, but I started yesterday so as to have a few days' wiggle room for days I happen to miss training for whatever reason. I will admit the training sessions are intimidating. They are meant for someone already running 6 miles...and I am not yet. I just don't have time to work up to that slowly then start the marathon plan. So instead, I am going to take the training runs at my own pace and do what is comfortable. The training sessions are based on length of time and good quality workouts, which I can take at my own ability. I am in sufficient shape, so I will catch up quickly. What I love most is that 3 years ago, when I trained for my first half marathon, my training sessions were also based on time, so this is kind of a throwback to what I did then, which was a special time.

I'm not entirely sure how I will be tracking my mileage, that might be tricky. I will probably have to use mapmyrun.com when I can. Again, this thing can't get overly time consuming or it won't work. Nursing school requires an insane amount of time so... the treadmill calculates and there are routes I just know the mileage of...I will have to stick with those as much as possible for ease of calculation

Today is meant to be a rest day, so my goal is to clean out the garage so I can made a comfortable space for the treadmill. I really wish I could put the treadmill in the main part of the house because the garage is so dreary. But I can't stand having anything extra upstairs, it gets cluttered very quickly!

Playing Catch Up and Facing the Music

So, while I would love to try to pretend this blog doesn't exist and that my life just doesn't facilitate keeping a running track of my runs (that was fun though), I am not that type of person. Last year I made a resolution, and I put a lot of effort into tracking my mileage over the year. I don't think I made 1,000 miles by a long shot, but I would still like to know how I did.

So here is my mileage (or my best basic idea of it):

January: 56.8
February: 61.39
March: 52.49
April: 53.5
May: 65.43
June: 26.2
July: 18.72
August:  16.92
September: 38.2
October: 0
November: 0
December: 14.28

2012 Year Totals: 403.93

So I only missed my goal by about 600 miles :(  Wow that is lame!!

Oh well I did ok this year, considering all of the life changes I have had. I am not giving up by any means! I originally had thought I would keep running and track my mileage up until 1,000 but I really don't think it would mean much once I got there.

New goals coming up! I'm not going to let last year discourage me!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Christmas Vacation Runs!

December 5th: 3.13
December 6th: 2.96
December 11: 3.19
December 15th: 2
December 30: 3

And that's it, folks!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

I HATE not running

So that is all there is to it. I'm a runner. This not-running thing is NOT an option. I can't stand it. How else can I say how much I hate NOT running? I guess I could go on complaining for a while.

Nursing school is a whole new ballgame. Last I really ran was week 1. Haha, if I could see myself then...it has been a crazy, amazing, challenging 10 weeks! Next week is final exams and I plan on heading out right after my last final and going for a nice run. I'm sure it will be an eye-opener. It might actually suck. But in my mind I am looking forward to whatever it will be.

Over my break I am going to formulate a plan to work school into my need to run. Getting up early isn't really an option. I don't do running outside in the dark. The treadmill will have to suffice and I will have to make myself get up early one day or so. Other than that I'm just going to have to go the old-fashioned way and schedule it like I do everything else in my life. And I am going to have to not make excuses.

I don't feel bad. Nursing school is hard. I don't care what classes you are taking in school, nursing school is a whole new breed of hard. People will say, well if it is important to you, you will make time for it. Ha! How does one make time when you have no time to make? Or you are at a deficit for time already and at a loss for sleep? Well I don't know, but what I know is that I really need my runs. I mean I REALLY need them!

Good news...I haven't gained any weight ;) I guess I will have to look on the bright side. Then you will hear from me next week.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

A Wet Walk

Today I got out and went for a nice powerwalk. I realized it has been 5 WEEKS since I last really worked out! It's amazing how nursing school and juggling a family has utterly consumed my whole life. Before you know it, weeks have gone by and things you did on a daily basis have completely fallen by the wayside. It's worth it, but it's shocking at the same time!

I realize I have probably lost readers' interest because I'm so inconsistent these days. But hey, that's life. I have goals, but running just can't be in my top 3 priorities. It is not realistic at all! Even with a treadmill, my hours are crazy (I am NOT getting up at 3am to run, no thanks!) my workload is insane and I barely have time to spend with my precious family. So...I don't get to be a gung-ho runner right now :( I miss that so much I will tell ya!

So here is my realistic goal: Look for times that I have even 30 minutes to carve out a little exercise time and just get going. If I can't be all-out running, oh well. The key is to get out, get the body moving, and get some fresh air if possible. It's more for stress-relief at this point than anything else!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Runs By Feel

I have very little blogging time these days but I wanted to keep up so I didn't get behind! This week I have been ditching my apps and such and just enjoying familiar routes.

Monday: 4 miles

Tuesday: 4.5 miles

It has been great to not have the pressure of a particular pace or whatnot, it has really helped me relax and just enjoy my runs. I will time myself again later, but I figure that as I get really back into running from a pretty inactive summer, I need to give my body to get back into the swing before I start puting pressure on it. That being said, I'm just impressed I have gotten 2 runs in this week so far. School is super busy!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

A Much-Better 3 1/2 Miles!

I am a textbook shotgun runner. The race starts and I blow out of there way too fast, pooping out when I still have 3/4 of my race left. Worst case scenario, I get a horrible gut-wrenching side-ache that has me walking most of the rest of the race. It is a living nightmare. So...in the interest of running more efficiently, and more intelligently, I'm working hard to pace myself and focus on earning negative splits. Until just recently I didn't have a clue what that meant. Here is my definition:

Negative Split: Running subsequent mile splits faster than previous mile splits.

It is your basic acceleration run. You start out slow, as slow as you need to be able to run each mile a tad faster than the previous. In the end you finish strong, building stamina and confidence as you go.

I tried this out today. I still started out too fast, even though I felt like I was taking it easy. The challenge is that everything feels easy at mile 1! So I think what I will try to do (while it can be annoying) is check my pace every block or so for now, to learn how to keep it slower. I really need to learn this badly.

So after my first mile, I felt myself pooping around mile 1 1/2. I literally felt the glycogen stores being used up and my muscles starting to feel weak. So I slowed it down. I just didn't want to stop. Around mile 2 I felt a bit of a burst as I took a slightly different, more scenic route. I blasted the last straight-stretch and earned a negative split for mile 3! Yay!!

So I am getting this gradual thing figured out. Moral of the story...there is always something to learn in the sport of running!! Always!

** By the way, I updated my Nike+ app and today I had Tim Tebow congratulating me on my run. I can't wait to see what other athletes they added! It's kind of cool that some are athletes besides elite runners.

GREAT Runner's World Article: How to Finish Strong

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--14537-0,00.html

Monday, September 17, 2012

Melanee's 10 Running Answers

I'm playing along with Run Like a Mother's 10-question game started last week

1. Best Run Ever:

Dimity was right, this is a tough question, especially if you have been running for a pretty long time. I think I have to say a 10-mile training run I did up near Sequim, WA on the Olympic Discovery Trail. Everything was just right: Perfect Temperature, Beautiful ever-changing scenery, 10 miles that seemed effortless...and oh did I mention it was my 31st birthday?

2. Three words that describe my running: Exhilarating. Challenging. Gradual

3. My go-to running outfit is: Nike dri-fit running capris and older Nike sports bra, Bright blue Portland Rock n Roll Brooks dri-fit t-shirt, thin Nike running socks, black LunarGlides and last-but-certainly-not-least: Hair in a pony braid, otherwise the underside balls up into a horrible rats nest by the end of my run

4. Quirky habit while running: checking my reflection in the shop windows I pass. This is mostly because I'm constantly checking my form but I probably look like I'm just checking out how fly I am ;)

5. Morning, midday, evening: My running sweet spot of the day is around 8:30, but in reality I am trying to be flexible and run on my lunch break and maybe in the evenings. If I want to run in the morning with my upcoming schedule it is going to have to be somewhere between 5-6 o'clock and I don't like running outdoors in the dark!

6. I won't run outside when it's: Like I said, I hate running when it is dark and I will most likely turn around if I walk outside into Oregon's sideways rain.

7. Worst injury-and how I got over it: Over a year ago I was into a great training mojo and feeling like Superwoman as a runner. Well as fate would have it, I had kissed my kids goodnight and while walking out of their room, I stepped on a Hot Wheels car and turned my foot-not my ankle-my foot. So I totally messed up the bones and tendons in the top of my foot which led to tendinitis, which seemed to linger on forever. All I could do to get over it was baby my foot and take good care of it. I stayed in decent shape by utilizing the elliptical at school. Needless to say, that was the last time the kids didn't pick up their room before bed. They felt almost as bad as I did about it!

8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: I broke 2 hours in my first half marathon (1:57:04). I had wished I would have been wearing a shirt that said, "Mom of 3" on the back.

9. Next race is: Barefoot on the Beach 5K in Gearhart, OR

10. Potential Running Goal for 2013: Reach the 1,000 miles I have been working toward. Keep running in general! I am starting nursing school so just keeping running a part of my life will be a huge accomplishment!

A Better 5K

This morning I got out there and made myself proud! I ran a simple 5K, and took it easy. I consider myself re-training after my summer of lacking. My body has backtracked a bit and I'm not quite in the shape I was back in May. But the key is increasing the number of days I am running, and getting out there regularly!

I wore my Disneyland half SWAG t-shirt and it really doesn't fit very well. I still love it though!

Sunday, September 16, 2012

A Redeeming Sunny 4-Miler!

After my crummy 6-miler attempt Monday, Wednesday I hit the streets again to run. I went ahead for 4 miles and it went well! The weather is pretty and I felt great! It has been a few days now but I am planning on a good run tomorrow and Tuesday, and hopefully Thursday and Friday. A few small races have come up and I'm hoping to jump in on at least one of them!

Happy Fall everyone!

A Lousy Non-6-Miler

After getting back from vacation, I was motivated to hit the ground running, literally. I figured I had just knocked out a half marathon, what was a 6-miler? Piece of cake! Well not so much. I bit off more than I could chew. I got half way, which was the top of the great big hill and I walked some. Then I got a sideache that would not go away. I stopped my Nike+ and called it done. I enjoyed walking back on the beach on that sunny morning. So maybe I can run/walk a half marathon but I am not quite to 6-milers-are-a-piece-of-cake shape yet ;)

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Disneyland Half Marathon

After Crater Lake we were still on vacation, so I didn't get any runs in prior to the half. I was shaking in my boots to see how this half marathon was going to pan out! I wrote a TR on a Disney Forum so I am going to just post the link here so as to not have to write the same thing twice.

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/i-am-a-precision-instrument-of-speed-and-aerodynamics-a-disneyland-half-marathon-trip-report.850044/

The quick recap:

Loved the Disneyland Resort! I'm a big Disney fan so it was two of my favorite things smashed together!
I stopped for lots of character meet n greets and still ran a 2:38:34. I was pretty proud of myself, especially considering my lack of training for this race!

I met Jeff Galloway and Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell from Another Mother Runner at the Expo!

Crater Lake Run



Crater Lake National Park, what a beautiful run!! I have not been running much this summer, in fact I have completely lost track of everything related to running. However, I am back on track and catching up the blog! Yay! I will probably keep these next few posts fairly brief, just for simplicity's sake.

I set out to do 4 miles (at 6000 feet) and right from the get-go I was huffing. The altitude change was a challenge! I weaved through our campground before proceeding to the main road. I was greeted with view such as those above. It was such a pretty day, and such a wonderful way to start this day. I was aiming for 4, but got to the halfway point and was feeling so great that I picked a point in the distance and said, Well, I'll just go that much further. I ended up with a 5-miler under my belt.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Updates coming soon!!!

Our family has been on vacation and it has been awesome! I have two posts coming up, both cool running experiences in their own rite: Crater Lake high altitude training run and the Disneyland Half Marathon!!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

It's Been Over a Week...Again

And I haven't run! I'm hating this new schedule! I miss my old 5-runs-a-week routine! And I know what people say, that if you really want to run, you will make time. But these people never had nursing school clinicals! I can't possibly get up earlier than my current 5am wake-up time :(

That being said, I have a few weeks until my next term starts, so I will get to have a couple of good running weeks while I prepare. The other good thing is that there are two local runs coming up, and I am hoping to get back into my routine and jump into those (one is a 10K and the other is a choice between the 5K, 10K or Half Marathon).

The Disneyland Half Marathon is in...a week and a half! I have no idea how it is going to go. I am hoping that my last year of consistent running is going to get me through it. Then once that is over and we come back from vacation, and the kids go back to school I will be freed up some. I am looking forward to that!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Two Runs in a Row!

Woohoo!! Hey, it's the small things sometimes...and it's ok to celebrate them!

Run/Workout: 3.67 miles
Location:The Prom and some downtown along the river
Run Time (if applicable): 36:30, 9:56 splits
Run Start: 9:11 am
Temperature: Warm-ish
Weather: Cloudy, humid, warm

Good run overall. My son rode his bike along with me and I can't decide if I love the distraction this offers, or if it is more frustrating than helpful. Every 30 seconds I am taking my earbuds out of my ears to strain and listen to what he has to say (when he is riding in front of me I can't really hear his quiet voice). There was also some stop-and-starting but I don't care. At this point I'm just glad to be building mileage again. 

The route was a little different than usual. I went down the prom but on the way back we took some residential streets then headed toward downtown and ran the rest on boardwalk and along the river. It was pretty and enjoyable!

Fighting for Five

Whew! I did it! I got out to run...and *gasp* I am going out to do it again today, just as soon as I finish this brief post.

Ok I can admit it...I am out of shape! I have been on "vacation mode" all summer long, ever since we went to Yosemite. This is not to say I did not have good intentions, but I am proof that good intentions can only take you so far. On the other hand, I have probably needed a bit of a rest. My ideal running year includes taking the summer off so I can swim, but it is different here. Summer is the best time to run here, even though I haven't felt like running much.

Yesterday's run. It was tough! I went out feeling pretty good, a little rusty. I kept my pace relaxed and slower and I'm glad I did. I would have seriously pooped out by mile 2 had I not. I took a couple of walk breaks and fought pretty good the last mile.

My bigger battle is with keeping a routine.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Three for the Books


Run/Workout: 3.25 miles
Location:The Prom
Run Time (if applicable): 28:28, 8:44 splits
Run Start: 7:02 am
Temperature: Warm-ish
Weather: Cloudy and humid

This run went great! I had taken over a week off (again...and not on purpose) and I took it easy coming back on a run. It went really smoothly! Everything felt fine (including my still tweaked knee) and it didn't feel overly exerting. That is good news! So while I have not been super consistent, my overall fitness has not decreased too much. At this point I really want my old routine back. I want my 3-4 days of running a week-plus yoga back! But we still have a few weeks of summer left, including a short trip and long vacation. So for now any routine I find will be interrupted again and again. That can be very frustrating. 

Instead of focusing on my lack of consistency, I am just going to celebrate what runs I do manage to do. I'm going to work hard to squeeze as much as I can in before the Disneyland Half Marathon and enjoy riding bikes and walking on the beach as well, while the weather is nice.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Tweaked Knee!!

Well, I managed to tweak my knee doing what seems to have been absolutely nothing. :( I don't know how this happens...I'm going along fine and I tweak something during my normal daily activities. Here's hoping it goes away fast!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Six Mile-Long Run



Had a great 6-miler! I considered it a "long run" so I started out really relaxed with an easy pace. I wasn't sure how fast I was going, I just focused on keeping it an easy effort. I was happy with my pace. I enjoyed the run. It was tough! That month off has made a difference. I stopped halfway to use the restroom and get a drink. The weather was really nice, the run was a beautiful route. There were surfers, tourists, bikers, you name it. It was a really nice day for a run.

I wore my running skirt and I have to admit it is not my most favorite thing to run in. I think it would be, but the undershorts ride up a little, leaving my far upper thighs exposed. If I any prickle whatsoever on my legs, my thighs chafe a bit. That stinks. Having said that, I had slatherd on some sunless tanning cream the night before and I was running on a tad bit more confidence, thinking my legs were looking pretty good! You know, that helps!

Coming up on Friday is a 5K that goes along with Coast Guard Day. I'm excited because it will be a great way to "sneak" a race in there. I haven't raced much this year so far. And...32 days until the Disneyland Half Marathon!

Oh, and just for fun, here is our typical weather this time of year. I have to admit, most of the year I am not a fan of the weather here, but summer it is great running weather!
Lastly, I am working on tallying up what mileage I have to update. I missed recording a 3-miler last week I did take a month off so I'm not expecting much. I have really lost track though!I have to go all the way back to June 1...

Monday, July 23, 2012

Four Miles at the Beach


Woohoo here I am! Back at running again, and-hello!-back to blogging about it! I am not going to go anywhere near revamping my goals, or race training plans or any of it! I'm just setting a goal for this week. Sometimes that is hard enough! So this week I want to run the following: Mon: 4 miles, Tues: 3 miles, Wed: 4 miles, Thurs: Rest, Fri: 6 miles (long run). Sat and Sun: Rest

Today's run went well. The family was set to head for a walk out on the Prom and I went ahead and ran my 4 then met up with them and we walked a bit. I took a rest stop half way through to potty and catch a quick drink. It felt really good to get out there. My shins, ankles, ITBs, ATs, you name it...were a little rusty. But overall my attitude has much improved!

I have really wanted to feel guilty for "falling off the wagon", but I have refused. Everyone needs to rest sometimes. And I know I have! I have been getting up whenever I feel like it (usually around 7:30) and then letting the day go as it needs to most days. It's summer! The weather is fair, my kids are home, and I am really enjoying things.

Oh, I didn't run the beach run. If we're being real, I didn't have the extra $30! I know that it is not much, but my husband had to work so if I were to run, I would have also had to register my son too, so we're talking $60. We're saving every penny for our epic road trip coming up. I keep asking myself...do I want to spend that here or at Disneyland? The answer is a no-brainer ;)

Alrighty so that is it for today! Time to roll out the muscles...

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Hello 3 Miles, Remember Me?

Quick Post! So yes, I've been seriously slacking. I really don't have any good excuses except I have had ZERO motivation. My kids are all home for the summer break and I've been on summer mode...staying up a bit later, sleeping in. It has been glorious actually. But somehow the slower pace has also slowed my motivation for lots of things.

I have been mostly spending my time focused on my kids and house, and we have been taking weekend camping trips, in addition to our awesome vacation we took in June. We have done some hiking and biking, but nothing overly rigorous as we usually go as a family. Mostly I have been doing a lot of cleaning, teaching, crafts, and just generally enjoying spending time with my kids. Nursing school is looming on the horizon and while I'm looking forward to it, there have been a lot of preparations and I know once I am in the thick of it, I won't have as much time with my family (or time to sleep).

But alas, it hit me like a ton of bricks last night that there is only 6 weeks left until the Disneyland Half Marathon!! Woah Nellie!! Enough being wishy-washy, it is time to get my crap together!

So today was my new beginning. Three miles. It felt pretty good. I didn't take my iPhone since my earbuds are missing (again). I really need several pairs of earbuds, one that stays in my running stuff drawer at all times.

The Seaside Beach Run is this weekend. I have not decided if I will participate yet since my husband has duty and not all of my kids are ready to run a 5K. Plus, we've drained every penny with the expenses of nursing school prep. We've been getting $50ed to death it seems. We'll see my friends.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

I did not fall off the face of the earth...not quite!

Ok so I just had to post a small update so that I felt connected with my blog and the running part of my life. So the last time I wrote a post was 6/19 (two weeks ago), although my last real run was 6/20, I managed 2.5 miles but forgot to post it. That being said, I took a week off prior to those runs because I was sick. So I would say that in all honesty, I have lost a good 3 weeks of running! Yikes!

Sick: 1 week off
Ran twice
Vacation and aftermath: 2 more weeks off.

In the end, the world is still spinning and everyday is a new chance to get back on the wagon. I have a tendency to stop and beat myself up but I am not going to do that this time. Life happens! You just have to get back on the wagon as soon as you can!

I have been contemplating the marathon in October that I had set my sights on. I just don't think this is my marathon year. With nursing school coming up and being a huge priority, I don't think I can handle the pressure of sticking to a marathon training plan. And I can't just wing it, I need to have successfully followed at least 75% of a training plan in order to attempt to tackle a marathon. I just don't want to kill myself. So I have given myself permission to transfer this year's marathon goals to next year, or possibly the following year depending on nursing school. Half marathons are still totally doable, as long as I am getting longer runs in regularly and accomplishing 10-12 milers before my target races. 

Saturday, June 30, 2012

June Mileage Totals:

Mileage Totals: Up to May

January: 56.8
February: 61.39
March: 52.49
April: 53.5
May: 65.43 *highest mileage month so far! Woop!!
June: 26.2

Grand Total: 315.81

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Today's Run...Not Much Yet

Today I ran 1.5 miles. I have been sick all week, and it has been a really slow road back! Yesterday I tried hopping on the treadmill only to quit after having just walked a bit, since my head was still so congested and my equilibrium was still so off. Today was better but my strength is not fully back. But...I did complete 1.5 miles. And that is better than nothing!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Three Miles Inside and a Headcold

Workout for today:

5 minutes treadmill walk warm-up
10 stairs
10 burpees
stretch
3 miles/26:08 8:42 splits
5 minutes cool-down
10 push-ups
30 mountain climbers
40 crunches
15 tricep dips

Like my title suggests, I have a headcold. I thought after Sunday's weeding it was just a touch of allergies, reacting to all of the weed pollen we released. But 2 days later I'm still stuffy, nose-running and my head is quite foggy. I'm functioning just fine though. I have a final tomorrow so I am spending the day at home doing some cleaning and quite a bit of studying (cramming!).

I don't know what the rule is on working out when you are sick besides just listening to your body and not overdoing it. I felt like I needed a good sweat this morning. In the interest of taking it easy, I stayed indoors. Working out felt sooooo good. Besides that, I'm drinking tons of water, Gatorade and green tea and eating lots of watermelon and strawberries and taking my vitamins. Besides making sure to rest, that's all you can really do!

I have 2 buttcheeks, not 4...

Just a goofy note. Don't you hate it when your underwear seams cut your buttcheeks in half? This happens to me all of the time and it drives me nuts! I am constantly checking in the mirror to make sure the seams aren't too tight. I don't need 4 buttcheeks!! That being said, Lululemon makes a great thong that is actually comfortable enough to run in (hard to believe, right?!?) yet it does not show seams. 

It is supposed to look like this...
Not like this!!! :-(



Monday, June 11, 2012

Eight is Great, But Hot Dogs Are Not...


Ok, so just for the record...
 +
 +
does not = good fuel for the day before a long run...

Saturday was an all-day baseball tournament for my 12-year-old son. I packed a large lunch for us so we wouldn't have to eat out (which is expensive with 3 kids!) and while it was an economically savvy idea...it wasn't the best eating day for me.  It was probably one of my worst on record. I ended up eating a large amount of those three things above. I did pack a few healthy snacks (oranges, apples, string cheese) which I also ate, but they did not override the junk food. I should have packed a simple sandwich and salad for myself. 


When I headed out for my 8-miler on Sunday, my body felt totally confused by the fuel I had put in it. It was probably confused also by my level of exhaustion at the starting point. Nonetheless, here was my run:

Run/Workout: 8 Miles Long Run
Location: all around Seaside
Run Time (if applicable): 1:12:44, 9:04 average splits
Run Start: 8:15
Temperature: 55 degrees
Weather: partly sunny

It was overall a good long run. It was a little weird, my body was kind of stiff from the day before (just the exhaustion of taking 3 kids to a baseball tournament 1 1/2 hours away all day). I started out real easy, then gradually increased my pace, but not by much. I grabbed a drink twice at water fountains along the way and I had to use the bathroom right at the start and at mile 7. I'm thinking the bathroom breaks were thanks to my horrible diet the day before. And I had to use my mental toughness a lot this run because I was tempted to shorten it a few times. What I do in this case is I run further from home that way the only way to get back is to run back. I need this t-shirt:


So that's the excitement for the day! I spent about an hour after my run weeding the flowerbeds and I am either suffering from some acute seasonal allergies or I have caught a mild head cold. I'm thinking it is the former since we were knee-deep in a serious amount of weed pollen yesterday.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

The Lunchtime Run IS Possible!!

Today's run consisted of a 5K run right after my 11am class.  I am usually NOT a lunchtime runner because I am such a big eater! I love food! Plus, I figure I need the time to sit down and decompress from my class. But as my life changes and I look ahead to next year's schedule, I realize more and more how flexible I am going to have to be if I want to keep up a good running routine. I have heard of people who go run on their lunch breaks but I have always kind of scoffed at them and said I'd never be able to do that. I mean when does one ever eat if you run on your lunch break?? It's not so complicated after all.

I ate a good breakfast which consisted of an egg, a banana and a blackberry chocolate protein 8oz. smoothie. I also filled my 40 O.Z. (lol gangsta talk...) full of water which I sipped on all morning. For a later morning snack during study group, I had a granola bar, a small homemade banana oatmeal muffin and some carrots. By gradually eating throughout the morning, I never felt stuffed yet felt plenty fueled for my noon run.

I headed out right after class to my running route. I didn't warm up which I usually do, but today was an "easy" run so I just took it easy and ran at my comfort level only (splits were 9:00, 8:45, and 8:30 respectively). My run took just under a half an hour then I headed back to school and ate a quick, small lunch. No problem!

It's great to feel like I've overcome a preconceived notion. It opens up a world of possibilities! Now I just have to wrap my head around when to (or when not to) shower...

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Good Lord Woman, Pace Yourself!

Wow, 7 minute first mile! But the rest...hmmmm....

Run/Workout: 5 Miles Race Pace
Location: Astoria High School Track
Run Time (if applicable): 39:29, 7:53 average splits
Run Start:11:15 am
Temperature: 58 degrees
Weather: sunny and beautiful, some wind
 
Let's talk pace today folks. Today I went out to do a Pace Run. This type of workout is also called a Tempo run. It's where you go all out and aim for your race pace in order to build stamina and condition yourself to running faster. I have noticed that the distances are much shorter than your target race however. I can say with certainty that it really targets your lungs, your intercostal muscles, and your mental stamina. For me it also tests my ability to control my breathing and form. Temp runs are not very fun. They are hard!

One thing that I failed at today is controlling my pace. I don't know what my deal is. I went all out because that's kind of what you are supposed to do, right? You run as fast as you can for as long as you can and hope you get a good time overall?...well not necessarily. This mindset is dangerous because you risk using up all of the glycogen stores in your muscles and crapping out early. This is precisely what happened to me today. While overall I did get a good time for the distance, I was disappointed at my inconsistency. It would totally be awesome if in a race I could hold a 7 minute mile for a 10K, but I'm not there yet! So instead of "going all out" it is important to pace yourself somewhat. You can always push it further on your last mile. <----That is what I am going to be telling myself from now on, and hopefully it will help!

Ok, I like to end on the good...

I did run fast today. I didn't puke (although I came close between miles 1-3). Even though I considered it a few times, I did not quit! I kept telling myself to just keep going, I would be really disappointed in myself if I quit.

The sun was shining and I burned some serious calories. My body feels great.


Monday, June 4, 2012

Easy Peasy 5K

Run/Workout: 5K/3.1 miles
Location: Neighborhoods on top of Astoria, limited hills
Run Time (if applicable): 31:81, 9:53 average splits
Run Start: 9:00 am
Temperature: 54 degrees
Weather: cloudy

 I took 4 days off!! That isn't really like me, but I have been busy! Last week I found out the good news that I was accepted into my college's nursing program! My family is as busy as ever as well as the school year winds down. I kept saying I would catch up and run over the weekend but that is never likely, and I was sooooo tired! I took an extra long nap on Sunday.

By today I couldn't stand it, I had to get out and run!  I worked it out so I could run near the college and not have to drive away and lose a great parking space (parking is a nightmare here). I enjoy running through neighborhoods. In Eugene and Portland races you often run through neighborhoods and that was what it reminded me of.

I knew my run wouldn't be very long. Three miles is never very long, so I just tried to enjoy it. My body felt sluggish though :( But overall I still enjoyed my run and felt satisfied when I was done. I finished up with some abs and arms in the gym. That's it!

I just started a marathon training plan. I can't believe I'm at this point. I do have to say that ever since I have lost 5 lbs I feel healthier than ever, and I have never felt more ready to take on my first marathon. Training schedule-wise, the good thing is that my school starts around week 17 of my marathon training plan so odds are, even if I get super busy with nursing school (which I'm sure I will), I will already be well-trained and ready for the Portland Marathon October 7th.

Also...I was invited to a Ragnar Relay team on July 20-21! I have never ran on any of these longer distance relays so this should be fun!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Mileage Totals: Up to May

January: 56.8
February: 61.39
March: 52.49
April: 53.5
May: 65.43 *highest mileage month so far! Woop!!


Grand Total: 289.61

 I said I wasn't going to analyze anymore, but oh well here goes:

Total Mileage I should be up to: 416.67

Miles I am behind: 127.5

Miles I have left before the year's end: 710.39

Which means I need to run an average of 101 miles per month for the rest of the year

Which breaks down to 25 miles per week on average, which is totally possible!!

I feel better now.

I needed new goals anyway ;)

Marathon training anyone?



Head For the Hills!

Any day is a good day for hills, right? I haven't done a "hill workout" since the Half and while my runs have included a hill, it's not the same. So today I headed out for some hills!

Run/Workout: 4 miles
Location:Irving St, hills
Run Time (if applicable): I have no idea.
Run Start: 9:00 am
Temperature:  60 degrees
Weather:cloudy but pleasant

Today's run was great! I went out confident but again put on the breaks when my legs wanted to sprint out of the blocks, which helped a lot! The hills were tough, especially the last one up 16th street, but they were good. I don't really have much new to say about the same run I have written about lots of times. The hills are hard, but I handle them better and better as I keep working. 

My app paused when I got a phone call so my stats were all weird. I did not know a phone call would pause the app. Apparently Nike+GPS must not think that the layperson can't run and talk on the phone at the same time-LOL. 

*Update: This ^^^^^ can be changed with a simple click in your settings. You learn something new every day!

Five for The Five

Monday was Memorial Day. I knew I wanted to get out and do somewhere between 4-6 miles, and I read somewhere about doing "Five for The Five" which is one mile in honor of each branch of the military. It wasn't anything official, just something I was instantly sold on. So I did Five for The Five

Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard

Run/Workout: 5 miles
Location:The Prom and Sunset Cove
Run Time (if applicable): 44:16, 8:50 splits
Run Start: 9:00 am
Temperature: Not warm, not cold...?
Weather:Cloudy

The run was great. I honestly did think about the servicemen and women who serve and sacrifice for our country, pretty much the whole run. I didn't wear my ear buds so I wasn't distracted. I just let my mind wander and was thankful. 

 

Sunday, May 27, 2012

A Faith-Restoring 10K


Runner's Lingo: "P.R.": Personal Record...when a runner runs a distance faster than they ever have before. 

 
P.R.!!! My best ever was 51:11













































Today I had a faith-restoring run. Not a faith in God, there isn't much that can shake that for me. I am talking about faith in MYSELF, and my abilities. After my flop in the Portland Half Marathon I had been questioning my ability to run and run well. I wondered if maybe I was doing something wrong, and that it might never start to seem "easy". I ran 4 miles on Thursday, then ran an awesome 10K today. 

It was just one of those beautiful workouts where everything just felt good. I started out carefully monitoring to make sure I did not go out too fast, and fought my instinct to fly when it all felt easy, and held myself back. That is hard! My body felt really good and the weather was mild and overcast. The waves were crashing but I mostly listened to my iPod.

Around mile 2.5 I had the long hill up to the end of Sunset Cove that leads to the Tillamook Head Trail. The elevation line on the graph below sure does not do the hill justice...it is definitely significant when compared to the completely flat rest of the course (which oddly the line also does not show). You can see right before mile 3 where my pace was slowest though. I still felt like I took the hill like a champ and felt great. I didn't even stop at the top, I just touched the gate while turning and headed down.


I saw quite a few runners today. There are tourists in town for Memorial Day Weekend so I assume they are runners from Portland. I welcome them! One guy in particular passed me around mile 4 and I got this idea in my head to let him pace me. I was feeling really good and he wasn't going much faster than me, and with only 2.2 miles left, I could stand to pick up the pace a bit. So I did! I played this game where he was my own personal "rabbit" and followed him almost all the way back home. He had no clue of course because he was wearing earbuds.

It worked...my last 3 miles were clocked at 8:14, 7:55 and a quick 7:42. It felt awesome!!

More than anything, I just love a day when things go well and I am able to do my very best. It helps restore faith in my ability, and revives the love I have for running.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Four Fine Miles

Run/Workout: 4 miles
Location: Treadmill
Run Time (if applicable): 38:15, 9:33 splits
Run Start: 10:00 am
Temperature: 56 degrees
Weather: N/A

Notes:

Just a typical run on my treadmill. It was my first run back from the half marathon so I started out really easy, 10:00 pace for the first 2 miles, then I upped the mph for the last two miles, going 7mph for the last lap. It felt pretty good! The last two miles felt better than the first.

My body was back with it, no problem! I was surprised at how quickly my body recovered from this half marathon, especially considering how wrecked I felt at the end. By Tuesday I was raring to go again, but my abs were pretty sore from the hour-long tetanus of the side stitch in the race. So gave my core an extra couple of days to recover. By today I was great!

I have been eating a more Paleo-style diet lately, full of fruits, veggies and *ehem* gas-producing foods. I felt it in my gut today...it was bubbly and incomfortable. Not "side-stitch" uncomfortable, just "marbles in my intestines" uncomfortable. Thankfully running helps move gas. :)

I'm looking at running the Helvetia Half Marathon June 9th in North Plains, OR. It's within driving distance from my house and you can pick up your packet day of the race. That coupled with the registration price of only $65 and the good reviews I have read on the race, I'm seriously considering it for a chance to redeem my somewhat negative experience at the Portland Rock n Roll Half. If it works out schedule-wise(hubby doesn't have to work), then I'm doing it for sure. I might get a friend to tag along too.

http://www.runwithpaula.com/helvetia-half-marathon-widmer-brothers-10k

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Portland Rock n Roll Half Marathon 2012

I survived!! Official Race Time 2:03:15, Average Splits 9:25

Check out the bling!!
This half marathon journey began Saturday morning. We'd gotten reservations to bring our travel trailer to Champoeg State Park south of Portland, stay the night, then get up early Sunday morning to run the race. The trick was to get our trailer parked and set up with plenty of time to hit the race expo, which would be closing at 5pm. No race expo, no race bib...and I would not be racing! So we were on a bit of a schedule.

So we arrived in Portland with no problems, drove a little bit out of the way mistakenly to a Camping World to return a large part we'd purchased before. That went over just fine. While we were there, I thought I'd jump in the trailer and make lunch, so we could be on our way. That was when we realized we'd left our trailer keys at home! A mild panic set in and it was one of a few moments that day that I considered backing out and just going home. But...to make a long story short, at least an hour later, we'd gotten into the trailer, finally found gas and were back on the road. We arrived at Champoeg with no reservation confirmation number (because of my airheadedness) but we found our spot just fine nonetheless. It was just a relief to be there. The kids immediately jumped on their bikes and went riding in the sunshine as my husband and I got everything settled. It seems getting to the destination city(or near it) is about 50% of the battle.

Before we had a chance to enjoy the sunshine, we had to hop back into the truck to head to the Oregon Convention Center. I don't know how to drive the dually stick shift yet and we figured in Portland traffic was probably not the best time to learn. So we had no choice but to go as a family. We arrived at the expo at about 3:30


Up until this moment I have to admit, I had been pretty lukewarm about this upcoming race. I have no idea what happened to me! I had been following my training plan, wasn't injured, nada. I just think the stresses in my life were taking a toll, and I had kind of lost my mojo for running. But as I entered the Expo with Journey playing and all kinds of bling going on, I really started to absorb the energy and get pumped!


Getting my bib was a cinch. I had printed out my confirmation sheet and race packet of information prior so all I had to do was get my bib. The lines were virtually nonexistent! I learned that there were 23 corrals based on estimated finish time and I was in corral 5! They must have thought I was fast! They had my estimated finish time at 1:55.

Once I had my bib, I headed over to get my t-shirt and SWAG bag.

The t-shirts rock, and fit so great! That is always something that is so hit-or-miss...whether the shirts will be the right size and sometimes the fit is cut just weird. They had women's fit or unisex fit sizes.






The SWAG bags had lots of fliers as usual, a few coupons, a GU sample and a Biofreeze sample (yes!). The bags themselves were pretty cool!

Peanut Butter GU? Really? Maybe I'll save this for a hike...just seems disgusting for a half marathon.
I browsed around the expo and tried lots of samples of products like Clif shot blocks, Nuun, and yummy vanilla and chocolate So Delicious coconut milk and ice cream bars. The coconut milk place was giving whole jugs away since they were going to be closing soon so I scored one! I probably should have taken 2 or 3... There were other places handing out samples too but I just enjoyed checking it all out. The one place I was really tempted to purchase from was the Sweaty Bands booth, but I really didn't bring money or intend to buy. I did make a mental note about ordering some online though, those bands are C-U-T-E!

I didn't stay at the expo long, my family was waiting and it was so nice out! I wanted to enjoy our campsite and the sunshine. I did get hit on at the expo buy a guy in his 40s...I'll spare the details though. Let's just say it was a mixture of feeling flattered and at the same time it was just embarrassingly funny! And it was definitely my first time being handed the line "So...is this your first half marathon?..." as an opener.

So the rest of the night we let our kids ride bikes, prepared some dinner and hung out. My hubby made some awesome steaks but I ate some leftover chicken parm with lasagna noodles, sweet potato, salad and a roll. Carbo-loading baby! I also hydrated like a madwoman.

We managed to get to bed early even though it was light out. At about 8:30 we were all cozied into bed. I slept surprisingly well. I never sleep well before a race. I usually toss and turn and dream about missing the start until my alarm goes off. It's the most unnerving way to spend a night. But I don't remember waking up once and when my alarm went off at 5:15 I felt quite rested indeed.

I had been stalking the weather that week and all week it had said low 70s and sunshine which I was looking forward to. Saturday, this was what the forecast changed to:
Rain? Yuck!!
Sunday morning, I got up and made a cup of coffee, used the restroom and got ready to go. It's funny, I wasn't nervous. I kept thinking of the race as just something we were doing that morning, like any other run.

I love pinning on my race bib and attaching my chip timer. It's so official. My family got up around 5:50 and we ate breakfast. I had some french toast with syrup, which has been a really good breakfast on days when I have long runs. I drank some Smart Water. We left Champoeg around 6:40 am.

We arrived in downtown Portland around 7:15, my hubby stressing about parking the dually. I don't blame him. Eventually he got me close enough and I just jumped out and walked a few blocks to Tom McCall Waterfront Park. I headed straight for the Port-a-Potties, which were developing some pretty long lines. After using them, I found corral 5 and just waited around. Rock music was playing and I chit-chatted with a girl standing alone from San Diego.

Guns!

Woops! Upside down...and can't edit iPhone pics
Corral 5 was not far from the start line
Two of my cheering squad

8:00am: the elite wheelchair runner (and race winner!) took off and the corrals were staggered one minute apart after that. We started at 8:05.

Mile 1: I was light as a feather! I felt like I could rule the world and I had this thing in the bag. It was great. I was aware of my surroundings, and I was focused on keeping a gentle pace since I was not warmed up.  8:00 split

Mile 2: Still feeling great! We ran across the bridge and past OMSI. Bands were out, cheerleaders were out. I was passing people left and right and it felt really natural. No problem! I did realize that my Nike+GPS was ahead of the actual race mileage though so I made a mental note not to listen when she told me I had reached my mile markers. I remember thinking that I was afraid it would start to feel hard soon... 7:53 split

Mile 3: I started to feel it a little here because we headed up a hill, but I didn't let it phase me. I had been running hills in Astoria, these little hills were nothing! I knew I was going a bit fast, but I figured I would pick miles to slow down on and these faster ones would be good "insurance" for those in order to make sure I maintained an 8:30 average. 8:17 split/5K 26:08

Mile 4: I felt great through most of it, which included another small hill. But somewhere in the middle of this mile I got a side stitch. I did my best to slow down and breath right in order to work it out but it did not go away. I got frustrated about my slower pace. 8:42 split

Mile 5: Side stitch was in full force and I was pissed. I had worked so hard, only to have something like this damper my success?? I jogged up a very long hill then walked some hoping that it would help it go away faster. It did not. Going down hill only made it worse too.  9:11 split

Mile 6: I was able to jog some and walk some but the stitch just wouldn't go away. We were running through neighborhoods at this point and I tried really hard to enjoy it. I couldn't believe how much I was walking, and LOTS of people were passing me. I tried to just ignore my time, thinking I might still be able to make up the difference if the stitch would just leave me alone!! 10:23 split/10K 55:30

Mile 7: I decided to throw away my time goals and just try to enjoy the race, try to have fun. My body (my core) just didn't want to cooperate, with the stitch coming and going consistently. I still didn't really have fun...probably because we ended up climbing another huge ass hill. 9:52 split

Mile 8: I guess things got a little better here. My split was better, and probably because I managed to go the whole mile without walking. 9:02 split

Mile 9: Not much new. Run/walk, maybe a water stop?  9:32 split

Mile 10: I felt a sense of hope knowing there was only a 5K left. Unfortunately my body didn't care and I felt like I was dragging it along. I feared it may be the longest 5K of my life. 9:54 split

10-mile mark 1:31:56

Miles 11-13.1 were better but I still had to huff and puff, stopping to guzzle water at every water stop. We passed under a huge Brooks rocker guy archway which looked deceivingly like something they would have up at the finish. I had to keep repeating over and over in my head that it couldn't be the finish line. Maybe they should have posted it somewhere less mentally brutal? Once I reached the peak of the final (SEVENTH) hill, I literally burst out, "SEVEN!! SEVEN HILLS!!! FRIG!!"

However, I enjoyed running across the bridge back to the park side of downtown. It had begun to rain. 10:50/10:16/9:12 splits

The best part of this race was at the very end. I usually have a pretty good kick in any race, no matter how hard I have ran. Not with this one. I was spent and I had nothing left. But I passed my family at the start of the last straight stretch and my husband took some video:

My husband took video of Kara Goucher headed for the finish: I was only just less than an hour behind her...
The best of all was when my 8-year-old son ran alongside of me on the sidewalk the whole straight stretch until we got close to the finish where the crowd thickened. I had to tell him to stop so he wouldn't get lost because he couldn't follow me into the chutes. But what a sweetheart, it meant so much to me that he did that!

Once I crossed the finish, I staggered over to where they were handing out medals and got mine. It's so pretty!! Then I grabbed like 3 bottles of water and followed the crowd to the post-race area where there were fruit cups, Marathon bars(grabbed 3), chocolate milk(grabbed 2), Gatorade(grabbed 1), some sort of goodie box(grabbed 1) and I think bagels(did not have room in my arms!). They were handing out space blankets and I wanted one but I just couldn't muster trying to get it around me with all of my stuff. I staggered over to the stairs by the fountain, dropped my stuff and guzzled a chocolate milk while getting rained on. Then I texted my husband so we could meet. I could hardly manage anything at this point. I was completely spent.

"crazy Olympic runner lady" was Kara Goucher and yeah right...like I can text him at 12 miles in!
Once I met up with my husband, I gave the kids some goodies and kissed everyone and we headed out of there ASAP. The day before I had asked the hubby if he minded if we stayed a while after the race and listened to the bands. At this point I had zero desire to hang out whatsoever. The band was starting but so was the rain and I was quickly losing body heat as well as the will to live. :-/ So we walked a few blocks to the car, I changed into a dry shirt and sweatshirt and we headed out.

We "celebrated" by going to our favorite place in ChinaTown, House of Louis. Now I know what you are thinking and no, I didn't stuff myself with Chinese right after the race. I was actually kind of nauseous. Everyone wanted to go, so I warmed up with hot tea and ate some non-greasy pork-fried rice. It hit the spot and I started to feel a little better.

So anyway, already-long-story short, we got back to the campground in no time, cleaned and packed up and headed back home. The race didn't go as I had hoped but you can't win them all. I don't know why I got a side stitch when I have had such great long runs. I think I just went out much to fast. It's so easy to do that when A) There is a ton of upbeat energy going on, B) You have people around you all running the same pace, which kind of makes you feel like you are going slow and C) You feel super great at the beginning, which makes you feel like you can go out fast. When you slow down, it feels like you are going really, really slow. But nevertheless, it is a lesson I learned the HARD way today!!

I gave myself an hour to beat myself up then I forced myself to put the frustrating details behind me. Dwelling on it does no good! Learning from it is best :) There will be other races, and in the end, I did do pretty well and I got my medal :)

For those not-so-great races

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Jeff Galloway Rocks

Four Sunshiney Miles

Basic stats...shared on Facebook because it went well. No, I don't share my bad ones on  Facebook...who does?? LOL
Today's run rocked! I was really hoping so too because Mondays' run was just so-so, and because my annoying calf/shin thing has been peaking it's annoying little head out. The run went awesome. I aimed for 4 miles, and didn't expect to make it a Race Pace run, but right as I started I thought, let's aim for 8:30 splits, much like I would ideally like to reach in my next half marathon. Not gonna lie, it was tough! 

Splits! This also show my "Acceleration" race personality
Man, I'm not sure if 8:30 per mile is too tough for a full 13.1 miles. I know I will reach that eventually though. I will aim for it this weekend for sure and work hard, even if it hurts. It will be over faster that way too ;)


I like the Nike+GPS analyzation tools like this one above^^^ It's cool how it shows you your diversions and averages. The blue line is pace, the green is altitude. 

This was a great run. I started out smooth, and with a headwind, but I powered through and got to turn back and it all felt good. Smooth and good. My cadence was like a song in my head (especially since I STILL haven't replaced my earbuds...)

View along my route
 Last little run detail that I can't help smiling about...along my route, I passed people walking here and there. There is a cruise ship docked so lots of tourists in town. Well I passed a couple walking and after I had gotten ahead a bit I overheard the man say, "Wow, yeah she's really going fast..." I couldn't help but smile. 

Today I finally bought some Smart Water. I like it so much better than Gatorade! I usually buy Propel which is ok, but still has flavor. Smart Water is ideal because I'd like to be drinking water more than anything else, but this includes the much-needed electrolytes as well, so your blood doesn't get too hypotonic.

Smart Water...simple, effective.
I'm getting so excited for the Portland Rock n Roll Half Marathon THIS SUNDAY! I received and printed all of the waivers and info I need. We're camping (with our travel trailer) the night before at Champoeg State Park. We'll have to head up earlier because I'm hoping to stop in at REI and use our rebate to get some goodies for the race. We also want to get to the Expo of course! Then it will just be carbo-loading and getting some rest!


Also...I just heard the news that Kara Goucher will be the headliner in this race! You don't know how excited that makes me! I am inspired by/jealous of this amazing woman (who is from Portland) who seems to make it all look easy! Who wouldn't be? Running is her job! How cool, plus she's headed to the London Olympics this summer. It would be quite thrilling for me to get a photo with her! I would LOVE to have her autograph my race bib!