Busy, but not too busy to run!

Style/Workout: 3.75 miles
Setting/Route: Nearby, hill, heat
Progress: (running mileage):  3.75 today/ 30.05 this month/ 361.4 year-to-date

Today was one of "those" days, in a good way.  I got through the normal hullabaloo of whisking kids off to school, came back and picked up, including making beds, scrubbing dog pee out of the carpet, tons of dishes, kitty litter box, walking the dog, going a load of laundry...and exhale. 

By that point the sun was out and I was dressed and ready in workout gear. Hubby and I have a biking date for this afternoon pending his intention to get off work early. For whatever reason- may have been my second cup of coffee, some motivating stories from friends on Facebook or the marines in the field close-by playing flag football, I decided to go ahead and throw my hat on and lace up my running shoes for a run anyway. I just felt like being active! The sun was shining with not a cloud in the sky so it was by no means cool during this run. So it was also a good measure for how well I am adjusting to the heat. 

I averaged a 9:57 per mile along the 3.75 mile route. I am pretty pleased with myself! Not only was this run a tad longer than my other ones in the heat, I did run harder and felt much better. This run was marked with a giant smiley face. 

So I goofed about the training plan that I mentioned in my last post...that one is a marathon training plan. So I will be searching today until I find the appropriate half marathon training plan! 

5K A-OK!

Style/Workout: 5K
Setting/Route: Fast, flat loops
Progress: (running mileage):  3.11 today/ 26.3 this month/ 357.65 year-to-date

Ok maybe a lame title, but I was glad to be back running after being sick for a week. What a pain! Third week of my kids back in school and I get sick. Did any of them get sick? Nope!  Just Mom! Such is the life of a mom and wife as they say :) Well today has been great. The weather has been a little cooler lately, dipping into the 60s in the evenings and slightly lower at night. Today I woke up to clouds which were welcomed because it was nice and cool, with a cool breeze. So I took off, did some running then took some time to stretch and do some strength training moves. 

Today I need to make some real measurable goals. Then I need to get some tangible plans for my goals. 

1) Run the Runway 5K October 5

2) Run the Silver Strand Half Marathon November 17th. 

I have no time goals for these runs, I just want to participate and finish! 

1) Register for races (budget them in)

 2) Follow a training plan (I found an easy no-brainer one in Competitor magazine!)

** Fail to plan and you'll plan to fail! 

And she's still sick

Stay tuned for further runs...after she is better!

By Time, Not By Mileage

Style/Workout: 40 minute run
Setting/Route: Out my front door route, including big hill
Progress: (running mileage):  3.8 today/ 23.19 this month/ 354.54 year-to-date

 

Yesterday I wasn't feeling well. Sore throat, just not quite feeling as up to speed as usual. But this morning I was feeling mostly fine so I went ahead and got a run in. I didn't want to run. Everything in me wanted to snuggle back into my bed after dropping the kids off at school and sleep all day long (ok maybe I wasn't feeling "fine"). But I decided to run by time not speed which kind of takes the pressure off mentally. I kept it really relaxed and checked it off! 

 

I was by no means "fast" per say, but I was glad I finished the run. I almost regret it though because it didn't take long to realize that I am, indeed fighting off some sort of bug. Whatever energy I had before my run was completely sucked out of me by the run. I managed to do some laundry, shower and blow dry my hair before I took a nice nap. Then I popped some ibuprofen, guzzled a bottle of water and picked the kids up from school. By the time that was over, I was just glad to be home, and have my kids miraculously behaving themselves. My wonderful hubby took over as soon as he got home and now I'm just resting. No run tomorrow, but hopefully the next day. 

Back to it!

Style/Workout: 5K with hill
Setting/Route: Out my front door route
Progress: (running mileage):  3.1 today/ 19.39 this month/ 350.74 year-to-date

Today's run was the one out my front door that starts with a flat stretch followed by a gynormous hill. I like this run because it allows me to gauge if I am getting stronger/faster. My times on this route have included: 8/27: 34:33, 9/6: 33:55,  & today's run 9/16: 31.40. So YES, I am getting faster! It is good to see some progress. 

I'm not going too nuts this week because I've developed a sore throat and while I a believing it is nothing, I know I need some rest. The kids/life has been stressing/wearing me out lately! 

Lastly, I will register for Silver Strand Half Marathon happening November 17th 2013 before the end of September! That is my goal! That being said, my second goal is to formulate some sort of training plan on my calendar. I am coming up on the 8 week away mark!

Better Temperatures, Better Run!

Style/Workout: 5-Miler, no walk breaks!
Setting/Route:  Lake Miramar
Progress: (running mileage):  5 today/ 16.29 this month/ 347.64 year-to-date

 

Today's run was really great! For the first time in a long time I actually marked the "it was great" smiley on my Nike + app. Today was a bit of a test for me. The temperatures dropped back to San Diego normal, and it was less than 70 degrees this morning. So...I was curious to see if during these temperatures I would perform better. I did! I ran the entire 5 miles without stopping (well except a few steps to cancel a text coming in...). Not only that but I had a goal to run it in 10:00 or less and I managed 9:15 per mile! Yaya! It was a good day for running. There's hope for me! 

Same Run, Different Day

Style/Workout: 5K Run/Walk
Setting/Route: Santo Rd Hill + La Mirage Condo Neighborhood
Progress: (running mileage):  3.11 today/ 11.29 this month/ 342.64 year-to-date

Today I ran the same route I have been running that starts at our travel trailer. I run about 3/4 mile flat for a good start, then I tackle the gynormous hill. Today I felt stronger! I went hard at the hill and only walked once. I give myself permission to walk for 3 reasons 1) I feel like I am overheating 2) I feel like I am about to throw up 3) I am getting a sideache. All of these things are typically caused by CO-2 build-up, so walk for a bit while I focus on taking a few breaths, focusing particularly on the exhale to blow off the CO-2. 

My pace wasn't much faster, but I like how with a particular route, you can test your fitness by seeing if you can finish it in less time. I shaved .78 off of my last time, which isn't earth-shattering, but it is still faster.