Getting Better! / 5

I was really happy with my time today.  10:39 pace over 5 miles.  I did the kensington route.  Cool and cloudy today.  Maybe it's going to rain!  That would be fun!

I also lifted weights, did some lunges, and situps.  If I can swing it, I might run a hill later.  We shall see.

The blinds guy is here now.  Exciting!

3 Miles

Good run today with a 10:34 pace.  So I'm really seeing results in that department.  Another nice day, but not as warm as it was over the weekend.

I also did my knee pushups and some ab stuff today.

I have to figure out how to weigh myself.  Because I was doing it in the AM right after I woke up.  But it only causes RAGE.  And that's not the most awesome way to start my day, you know?  So today I did it after I ran but I didn't run until 11 and I had eaten.  I also had approximately 1100 cups of coffee at that point.  So is that a legitimate weight?  I suppose if I do it at the same time every day it won't really matter when I do it. 

I did it! / 4.37 / 2.37

I had a great run today - especially considering that my motivation was absolutely non-existent.  I really thought that today would be one of those days where I went out, ran .01...maybe .02, and then called it good.  But I got out there and my music was really fun (I downloaded some stuff from Walk Off the Earth) and the day was just absolutely beautiful.  So the entire run was super fun, actually.

And I did it!  I ran all the way up Texas without walking at all.  I wasn't planning that so that makes it extra exciting.  I just kept saying, "Well, I think I can make it to the next light pole......oh, I bet I could get to the next one now."  And then I was at the top! 

Last week when I did it my time was 11.33 and today it was 11.30, so not a major change.  But that's OK. 

I also lifted weights and did some ab stuff today.  Oh, and calf raises.  I think I forgot to tell you that I practically crippled myself with those last week!  So I did fewer today.  Guess I should ease myself into that.

Also, Bart and I did 2.27 yesterday!

I would like to think neither of us would do this.........

http://now.msn.com/karl-berry-died-after-going-on-run-after-snake-bit-him

I'm pretty sure we wouldn't.  Right?!  

5 miles

Really good run today of 5 miles.  And I was pretty happy with my time even though I listened to my book.  I just couldn't help myself! 

I also did some pushups when I came back.  I accidentally did regular style and I was so worried because I thought, "I am not going to be able to do as many at all!  What is wrong?!" 

Tomorrow I'm going to do a speed workout and Bart and I have a run planned out.  Should be fun!

BAH! / 4+

Dang, this weight thing.  SO ENRAGING.  Insert a bunch of swears.

So I've been thinking today: what am I doing differently?  Well, little things like I used to eat an egg every day.  And that's a great source of protein.  And if I'm not eating that, something else is taking it's place.  Also, I'm not running hills like I used to.  And I'm not keeping a food diary.  So I can re-implement some of those things. 

I did run Texas today.  And I did a good job!  I did have to walk a couple of times but my overall pace was really good.  And, because I was doing the hill, I switched things up a bit and I listened to my book.  And my pace was still good.  So I think I need to keep doing to music so I don't forget the feel of the fast pace.  But I can still switch in the book.

I also lifted weights.  And now I'm having a brussels sprouts sandwich!  Yay!

Cloudy Day! / 3 miles

It stayed cloudy all day today!  And, it's funny, early on I felt like it would stay cloudy and possibly rain.  It just had more of that real cloud feel than marine layer.  Jessica says it sprinkled up in La Jolla.  Ah, not true.  She said it misted.  But it stayed dry here.

Had a pretty good 3 mile run this afternoon and then did the knee pushups and some situps.  Tomorrow I'm going to do Texas!  Not the state.  Just the hill on Texas street.

Update on My Left Heel Pain

I have been through about 6 weeks of physical therapy on my achilles tendeon (left heel) to no avail.  I thought it was so much better last week but after running that 5K on Saturday it's been hurting again ever since.  I saw Dr. Redburn (podiatrist) again this afternoon.  She is putting me on a 6 day steroid (some form of prednisone) treatment starting tomorrow morning.  No running or stretching exercises for 2 weeks.  I am also supposed to ice it 2 or 3 times a day.  If it is not "significantly improved" by then we will do an MRI to see if there is something else going on in there that the x rays she took last month didn't show.  She said, "For one thing, I'm sure your something or other ligament in there is inflamed."  And then she pressed on a certain spot and sent me to the ceiling to prove she was right. Stay tuned.

4.45

Weird run today.  I had a stitch in my side starting at mile 2.  I struggled with it as long as I could but finally just walked home at 4.45.  I do not like running like that!  I had a handful of nuts about an hour before I ran, so I suspect that was the problem.  Oh well!

I did go to the batting cages today.  Fun!  I also did some pushups.  Girl style because my upper body is so weak right now.  My plan is to work to 100 of that style and then start by adding 10 regular / 90 girl >> 20 regular / 80 girl until I'm up to as many regular as I can!

Cross Training Day

Monday Morning

Heel bothered me all day yesterday and first thing this morning but I got on the TM and ran 3 anyway.  It's so odd.  It doesn't seem to bother much while I'm running.  Very strange I think and sure wish someone could explain it to me.  I am giving up on the newest pair of orthotics and put my old pair in the running shoes this morning.  I'm not going to wear any orthotics at all for a few days in my regular shoes and see what happens.  They're obviously not doing me any good.  I've been consistent about wearing the new ones in every pair of shoes for 6 months+ and to no avail.

Excellent Day / 9 miles / 1.85 miles

Very beautiful day around here today.  And I had such a great run this morning.  9 miles at an 11:05 pace.  I'm getting there!  And I felt good and like I had enough energy for the run.  I say that because yesterday I don't know what was going on with me but I had absolutely no energy.  Very tired and lethargic.  I wonder if it is due to being back at work?  Or a weather system change?  Anyway, today was totally different. 

Then Bart and I ran and it was really good.  Well, I was tired.  And I was salty and dirty!  But that's OK.  Anyway, our pace is getting so much better.  A lot more running than walking.  So we're really doing well. 

I hate to say it but I may take tomorrow off.  We'll see.  I'm sore and exhausted.  I'll play it by ear!

Osceola 5K

It was only +13 when I got up at 6:30 am but was +20 at race time.  They announced the temp to make us feel good!  Not a cloud in the sky and no wind at all so it was actually very nice.  I did it in 31.08 according to my Garmin.  Official time was 31.19 but that was "gun time" so a little different.  I ran the whole way and did ok.  But....well you don't want to hear it.  And look a the nice Cadet who greeted me at the end!

Good luck!

I'm sure thinking of you while you're running in that snow and cold!  Don't turn into a Poppasicle!  You've avoided that fate (narrowly!) all winter! 

It's a day out there! / 4 Miles

Super happy with my pace today!  10:33.  So I'm really getting back on track.  I'm really happy.  Super less happy about my weight. 

Well, it's sure a {REDACTED} day out there.  In fact, I'm done with work now so I'm going for a walk. 

Cross Training Day

This was a cross training day for me because instead of running I went outside and shoveled 10+ inches of wet, heavy snow for an hour and 15 minutes.  This is nonsense!!

Ouch! / 6.53

Ouch?  Yes!  Well, for tomorrow.  Not so much tonight.  Why?  Because Bart and I went to the batting cages tonight!  How long has it been since I've done that?  Way too long.  I blame the stress I was having.  But I'm better now.  And Bart is home early this week.  And it was 78 today.  If that's not a perfect recipe for the cages, I don't know what is!  But it's been so long since I've been there that I know I'm going to pay for it tomorrow. 

And then I ran 6.53 today.  I planned on 7 but just lost steam.  my pace was 11:03.  So pretty good for that distance. 

I forgot to even look at the training calendar while I was on my break so I don't know where I should be.  I made a guess that this was week 6 but I really should figure that out.

Weird Run! / 4 Miles

I felt a little weird today.  Floaty.  Not sure why.  So I did 4 miles and called it done.

I did lift weights.  And now I'm taking a little after work walk in a few minutes.  Yes!  I'm back to work.  And things went really well today. 

Sad Day / 5 Miles

Well, you and I both say what I sad day. 

After I read the news, I decided to pull myself together and get out for a run.  I intended to do 3 miles but ended up doing 5.  Probably was half way through before I could let my mind go a bit.  Today might have been a good day for a book!

I was really happy with my pace again today.  It was 10:45, if I remember correctly.  Slower than Saturday but I did more miles so that kinda makes sense to me. 

I'm planning on going to bed at 9:30 tonight.  Hm.  If I think that's going to happen I guess I should eat dinner!

Yesterday / 1.7 miles

I can't believe I forgot to post yesterday!  Bart and I did run yesterday - after much debate.  Saturday was pretty cold and dreary but yesterday was supposed to be sunny.  So we waited.  And....I hope you're sitting....the weather forecast was WRONG!  Shocking, I agree!  So yesterday was also dreary but we decided to suck it up and get it done.  And our timing was perfect because it rained on the way home.  Well, mildly sprinkled, actually. 

A New Week

This cold I have seems to be just sort of stuck in first gear.  Not getting any worse but not going away.  It's not the kind of full blown head and chest cold I often get.  I was awake 3-4 times during the night but went back to sleep and didn't actually get up until 8:30 am!!  Mom thought maybe I had died in my sleep.  Ha!  So I was very late onto the TM this morning but did my 3 miles and exercises without a coughing fit.  And the heel and ankle didn't bother me at all.  I'm very hopeful that that is on the mend.

Awesome Run / 3 miles

Today was my best pace in months.  Very seriously.  Months.  10:25/mile.  I'm very excited about this.  And, yes, I listened to music.  So. 

Kind of a dreary day here.  Nothing compared to what you have going on, of course!  But didn't get to 60 even today.  And it has been cloudy all day.  No rain.  But hard to get motivated!  I didn't run until 3:30 or so.  But run I did and then I did some weights and situps.

My dress for Megan's wedding came today!  I love it so much!  And it does fit right now so, no matter what, I'm set.  But it will look better (and I'll feel better) if I can get down to my normal weight.  Maybe I should start calling it my non-winter weight rather than my "normal" weight.  Because I seem to recall that this little weight gain happened last winter, too. 

Learning Lessons / 7.32

Well, I listened to music again today.  And my pace is better.  A lot.  Not as in a minute better per mile.  Because it will take time to get back to that physically.  But in the 15-30 second/mile range.  Which, as you know, is a big deal.  Now that I think about it, it's more like 30 seconds.  So.

Decision: I have to switch it up.  Because listening to books really kept me motivated.  But it did lose some of it's magic after a time.  Which makes sense.  Over time, it loses that newness factor.  So I'll just really pay attention and switch between music and books. 

I wish there was a metronome watch.  You  know, just something that would deliver a little tap to the wrist at 180 beats/sec. 

But I did have a fun time today.  Beautiful day here, in direct contrast to your weather!

Have you watched the movie Pitch Perfect?  If not, let me forewarn you, it's a musical!  I still laugh about when we watched that Tom Cruise movie and you said to me, "You didn't tell me it was a musical!"  And I didn't, that's true!  Anyway, it's a super cute movie and I have the album for it.  And here is the closing number, which I love:

Well, forget it!  Stupid Universal won't share!  Geesh!

Good Morning

Got up and did my 3 and exercises.  Snowing like mad here this morning again.  Have a new 2-3 inches overnight on top of 3-4 yesterday morning.  Now, more is coming.  Enough of this!!

On the up side, the heel and ankle were pretty good this morning.

Good News, Bad News / 5 miles

Good news: my pace was better today.  Bad news: I listened to music, not a book.

Why is that bad news?  I looove listening to audio books when I run!  But, physically, I think it's not helping me.  Because I'm not running as hard.  Do you think that maybe that's why this weight is clinging?  (not to discount food stuff)  But maybe I'm running too slow to really make an impact?  I mean, I'm healthy.  For sure.  But maybe that pace is just maintaining. 

I'll have to figure out a resolution, for sure.  Music for the foreseeable future, though. 

5 Miles

And I did it!  5 miles.  They were good. 

I was thinking that maybe I'll start lifting weights before I head out to run.  Because, by the time I'm back, I'm usually too tired to do it.  I just read once that it was best to do it after but, at this point, I sure don't remember why!

I cannot recall if I told you, but the new headache theory is that I'm clenching my teeth.  Stress related, so they say.  Or at least that's when people typically do this.  So I have these little mouth inserts I'm trying.  My dentist wanted to see me a $350 one but I picked up some at Rite Aid.  I'll see if they do anything at all to help before that kind of investment.  And, heck, if these work I won't make that investment!  Anyway, tonight is night 2.  I will say that my jaw felt different when I woke up this am.  So...who knows!

Tired! / 3

I've been sleeping so well - and so much!  I have no idea how I can be worn out, but I am!  Let's go with the idea that I'm still catching up.

I did run 3 miles today.  Plan on doing 5 tomorrow.  That's all I did though.  I was going to do some situps but I just forgot!  Well, I remember now but now I'm too lazy.  So that's that!

Good Morning

Started the week with another 3 miles on the TM.  +35 out there and thought about going outside but then it started to spit some rain.  So, stayed inside again.  Also did 75 push ups and 75 sit ups.  The running went fine.  Heel didn't really bother me at all.  So I'm anxious to see what the day brings.  I'm going to Duluth for the day.  Will see Grandma and take her out to lunch.  So a lot of sitting today.

Run / 3

I had a kinda lazy day today.  Or I expected I was going to.  I went to the farmer's market and it was really fun.  Beautiful day if a little cold!  And then I came home and just piddled around.  And around 6 pm I figured I would go for a run.  So I did.  3 miles.  Which is why my day was less lazy than I expected!

Run Date / 1.3

Bart and I had another run date today.  We are running more of the route each time!  Super nice day.

100 Meter Dash

Delightful Spring / 7.34

Very good run today.  Listened to music and had a good time.  I guess I should switch up my listening.  Or maybe it's that I'm not totally in love with my new book.  I am invested in it now and will finish it, for sure, but it is not as awesome as my last series.  Alas!  That author has another series I might check out.  They are mystery novels.  Sounds like he normally writes those but someone on a forum challenged him that he wouldn't be able to write an awesome story based on a lame premise.  And he said, "Bet I could.  Give me two lame ideas."  And so they guy told him to use the lost Roman legion and Pokemon.  And thus was born one of the best fantasy series I've ever read!  Kinda a fun bit of trivia.

Anyway, dang, it smells good out here.  The orange trees are blooming like crazy and it's just so delicious to run outside and smell them.  I'm lucky!

Bart and I are running tomorrow.  I'm not going to do any additional miles, I don't think, because I ran so big today.

Good Morning

I did my usual 3 on the TM this morning and it went ok, I guess.  Still feeling some discomfort in the heel and ankle but not debilitating.  Damn this is getting old.  Another PT this afternoon so not sure what he'll do or say.

My PT Appointment Today

Had a PT appointment this afternoon and I was totally honest with Mark about the fact that I am worse off now than I was 3 weeks ago. I told him about Sunday morning when I could hardly walk when I first got up. And how today it has been bothering me and causing me to limp all day long. So, he didn't do the ASTYM treatment today and did an ultra sound treatment instead which felt pretty good. Then he put a patch on there with a very low dose of cortisone in it. I'm to wear this 24 hours if I can keep it on that long and it doesn't bother me. No run tomorrow and no shower unless I put a bag over my foot. We'll do another ultra sound on Friday and see how it is. If no improvement or about the same he thinks I should see the podiatrist, Dr. Redburn, again for another evaluation.

Here's a link to info about what's in this patch:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682792.html

test

test

Well, look at this!!!

5 Miles

5 miles today.  I  wasn't really into it.  Just not interested, I guess.  I am listening to something new.  So we shall see how that goes!

End of an Era / 5ish Miles

Why 5ish?  I forgot to check for sure and I know it was over 5! 

End of an era: Today I finished that fantasy series I've been listening to since.....well, October for sure.  And I loved it.  It really did keep me hitting the road.  Especially on those days where I was just feeling lazy.  I'll find something else awesome, I know.  But I'm a little bit sad that it is done.  Really excellent series. 

I ate SO MUCH yesterday.  And I didn't bother weighing myself.  Because I know it will just bum me out.  I'm super weight irritated. 

Chrome Test

Test post from Chrome.