New Shoes Run

I like 'em!  Feel very comfortable.  I didn't wear my orthotics in them and just ran with the insoles provided.  They feel very good for a first run.  I did the Fitnatics 3 miles.  Pace is still terrible but I ran the whole way.  I continue to be having discomfort (not really "pain" just an ache) in my left groin muscle.  Last summer I had the same thing in the right groin.  Now the left.  If it's not one thing it's another.  But I like my new shoes!

Weather was very good.  Cool.  About 60, light breeze.  Very cloudy since it's been raining off and on since yesterday morning.  3.2 inches in the rain gauge this morning.  But not raining when I was out there and supposed to be done now for a couple days.

I did something!

Well, hello! It's me, your cohort! I am finally feeling a bit better and so I went for a run today. Really slow but at least I did something. It's been so hot! I ran at 8:30 but it was still uncomfortable. Not sure if I'll do a long run this weekend or not. I'm still pretty exhausted so I'll play it by ear.

Gym Day and New Shoes

I went to the gym and did all the machines.  Well, not all, but enough to feel sore now.  And I bought some new shoes.  Aetrex brand.  Every hear of them?  I hadn't until yesterday.  I went to the Cobbler Shop in SCF to try on a pair of KSwiss which is what Mom has for walking and loves.  I did try some on but then tried on this pair of Aetrex.  What a difference.  Really comfortable from minute one and even without my orthotics which I am going to try to get away from and see how it goes.  So I went back and bought them today.  $113 so I better like them!  I'm wearing them today to break them in and will try a 3 mile run in them tomorrow morning.  At this point I think they're the most comfortable show I've ever put on.  We'll see.

There was a man at the gym who looked to be 75 or so lifting weights.  Holy cow!  I couldn't believe what he was doing!  I skipped my two weight lifting exercises this morning because I didn't even want to be on that side of the gym for him to see how weak I am by comparison.  He was very impressive.

4 Miles But Slow Run

I ran around the 4 mile block this morning but it was slow.  I only walked once very briefly at 2.5 miles (maybe 50 feet while having a drink from my backpack) and "ran" the rest of the way.  But, oh, so slow.  Pace of 11.25.  Terrible.  My left thigh and groin are bothering me so I'm anxious to see how the rest of the day goes here.  I did take Ibuprfen when I got home.  Things did loosen up as I went but the first mile was bad and I nearly turned around.  Might wish I had later in the day.  I also did my situps and pushups when I got home.

Thinking I need some new shoes, too, but the kind I've been buying are $120 on Amazon!  I know I didn't pay that for the last pair and RRS doesn't carry them any more I guess.  Can't find them online anyway.  Plan to check out the bicycle and running shop in downtown SCF and also the Cobbler Shop.  Not sure if either carry running shoes but going to find out.

Gym Day

My left thigh has really been sore and I'm blaming the "hip abductor" machine I used on Friday and Sunday.  Of course, it could have been from pushing in the clutch on that race car, too!  Anyway, I went to the gym this morning and met Nicole - the other coach and trainer there besides Brian.  She asked and I told her I was sore and she said, "No!  I hate that machine!  Don't use it!"  So I didn't.  But I did everything else on the list.  It was harder today and I suppose it's because the muscles don't want to do these things.  But they did.  I warmed up on the treadmill but couldn't do a full 5 minutes because my left thigh was so sore.  It feels ok now at suppertime so I'm hopeful it will be fine in the morning when I run.

Brainerd Run

No fitness center in this motel so I was forced to go for a quick 2 miler outside in perfect weather.  60 degrees, very low humidity, sunny, gentle breeze.  It was great.  Planned to do 3 miles but the frontage road I checked out last night and never saw a single car on was busier than heck this morning and kind of scary.  So I turned around at the 1 mile mark.  But I got something done anyway.  Heading out for home in a bit.  Gotta have breakfast first at an old fashioned diner across the highway from the motel.

This Morning's Update

I am stiff and sore!  Holy cow.  I felt pretty good last night as I said but this morning I can really feel it in my groins especially.  And I know exactly which machine did it to me I think.  Arms and shoulders feel ok and legs, too.  Hope I have enough strength to push the brake pedal when I need to!  Off to the races in about an hour.

A Rare Event

I went to the gym on a Sunday morning!  Never happened before and don't really expect it to happen again but I wanted to work on the machines before I forgot everything I was shown on Friday.   I did what will be my Monday routine because I won't be doing anything tomorrow except driving a race car!!  So after we went to church in Luck I went down to Snap.  Very quiet there on Sunday morning as it should be!  Nobody there when I arrived but 4 others came in while I was there.  I remembered how all the machines work except one and looked that up when I got home.  I did them all 2 times with 15 reps each time.  If I only work certain things one day a week I won't even be there 15 minutes so i don't see any sense in that.  I'll work them all as long as I'm there.  it seemed to go fine but I could sure feel it by the 14th and 15th rep of each set.  So we'll see.  I don't feel bad tonight at all.  Not stiff or sore but I wonder how I'll be in the morning.

You are doing such a good job and will ace the Whistlestop!

Great run!

Today I had a good (but slow, like usual!) long run. I did 8 miles! Including two trips up Texas. So in the next couple weeks I imagine I'll be successful in my 3 trips up Texas/long run goal. I didn't do a great job eating after my run. Well, I did eat after but I should have eaten more. So I ended up with a bit of a noggin ache before I finally ate dinner. But, after I ate, I felt fine. I'm worn out and plan to go to be early tonight! Have a great time tomorrow!

Good Treadmill Run!

We are having some hot times, too hot to run. Well, to hot to run at 1 pm! So today I went over to the gym and used their AC and treadmill. And I actually ran 3 miles! Probably because I made an epic Glee playlist. I did 3 miles at 6 mph, .5% incline. I have been meaning to tell you that my back remains in great shape after switching out my insoles. I was getting kinda worried for awhile. I'm glad it was such an easy solution!

Snap Report and Today's Run

Ok, so, I met with my new friend, Brian, yesterday at Snap Fitness and we spent an hour together.  He showed me how to use the various machines and suggested I come 3 days a week and use them.  And then I would run on the other 3 days a week.  One day at the gym working on chest and back, one day working on the legs, and the third day working on shoulders, biceps and triceps.  So how does working on each muscle group only once a week help me?  That's what I'm wondering.  But I plan to try it that way for a couple weeks and see how it goes.  Monday, Wednesday, Friday at the gym.  Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday running.  Not sure where I'll get the energy for all that but I'll give it a try.  Also not sure I'll be ready for the Whistlestop but, again, I'll do the best I can as always.  I never feel ready for the SD Half either but manage to get it done.

This morning I did run the Fitnatics 3 miles and it went better than expected.  I was sure I would be walking some after the workout yesterday but I just kept running and got it done.  Also did my 50 pushups and 50 situps when I got home.

I might try to get Monday's gym workout in tomrorow before we head to Brainerd for my day at the Speedway on Monday.  Won't be going to a gym there on Monday I'm sure.

2 updates!

I'm behind! I forgot to post yesterday, even though I had post worthy material! Yesterday I went for a 5 mile run which included doing Texas twice! It was very challenging (and too hot!) but I did it. Today I went to the gym, even though I really wasn't feeling it. And it was.....fine. I did it but it wasn't my best effort. Maybe I was still a bit worn out from my running efforts yesterday.

Update on this morning's post

I went to Snap Fitness today and joined!  I will see Brian (my personal trainer) for an initial consultation on Friday morning.  I just need to not run every day and do some other things.  So, I'm thinking I will run Monday, Wednesday and Friday and do something at the gym on Tuesday and Thursday.  Saturday will be up in the air for now.  Sunday will still be a day of rest.  I will keep you updated, of course!

Something Needs to Change

I have to start doing something different here.  I'm going to take a page from your notebook and not try to run distance every day.  I just feel worn out.  I only did 2 miles again today and it was ok but my legs just feel weak or something.  So I need to start some cross training and running hills one day a week or something like you do with Texas.  I'm also going to think about Snap Fitness a couple days a week to lift weights and do some different things.  At the moment, though, I have decided to rest tomorrow and Friday and then give the Gandy Dancer a try on Saturday just to get off the pavement and see how that goes.  Then Sunday we go to Brainerd for my race car drive on Monday and be home Tuesday so not sure what I'll do on Monday and Tuesday at the motel.  But I need to change patterns here so I keep interested and don't feel just worn out all the time.

Running Times

Super happy with my running today! I drove over to Texas and ran it 3 times. Then I went to the gym and ran 1 mile. I did a 5% incline at a 6.0 pace. It was hot on Texas, so I was really glad that I got that over with. Maybe if I run on the treadmill at a faster pace, it will help my outside pace. Although I know that the audio books are killing my outside pace. The one I'm listening to is just so so good though! I can't help but listen to it!

Hard Work

I only ran 2 miles this morning because it seemed like such hard work.  My legs felt like noodles.  I don't get it.  I'm sleeping ok so that's not it.  I guess yesterday's 4 miles in the humidity did a number on me.  And my weight is up a whole pound this morning!  That is very discouraging because I thought I was being so good yesterday about eating.  Not that I starved myself but I didn't overdo it either.  So, my day is not off to a very good start here.

Worn out!

I ended up having a big day today, thanks to work! Things were pretty disorganized so I decided to run hills. Things were still disorganized when I got back so I decided to go to the gym. I decided I'd just work later. So now I'm tired! I have a goal to to my 7+ mile route with three trips up Texas. So I'll be doing some more hills here now.

Hot, Sticky Run

I mostly ran around the 4 mile block this morning but it was miserable.  I walked as much as I ran in the last mile.  I looked at weather when I got home and it was 68 degrees, 67 dewpoint, 99% humidity, and no breeze at all.  It felt tropical out there.  Overall pace was 11.20 so very slow and ripe for improvement.  I hope anyway.  Can't get much worse!  Groin has been bothering me some, too, and I just know it's because of this extra weight I'm carrying around.  I'm going to have to start limiting my corn on the cob intake!

Great run!

But slow. Such is life. But I did 7.4 miles! And, regardless of pace, I'm thrilled about that fact! I started with the Kensington Loop then did my Texas way. I will say that this time was quite a bit faster than the last time I did this route (that time I started with Texas and ended with Kensington). I got up at 6 today so I could do this. It's just so hot! And, by the time I was done, it was too hot for running. So I'm glad I did get up that early.

Gym times!

Yep, gym again! Not too much to report except that it was darn busy there! I'm going to increase the weight for one of my exercises next time I go. My bench press, specifically. Not too much else to report! I have to run early tomorrow because, dang, it's been hot. Only 85 (which, don't get me wrong, is way too hot for running!) but it sure feels hotter! It's funny but it seemed fine earlier and then, BAM, suddenly it was burning out! Point being, I need to get it done early tomorrow.

Same Old, Same Old

More of the same here today.  Plan to try going around the 4 mile block on Monday and see how that goes.  My 3 miler went fine again today although it was slower than it's been the last two times.  Slept well and feel good so not sure why I slowed down today but I did.  Pace of 10:25 and I've been doing it at 10:10 or so.  Probably those chocolate chip cookies I baked and started eating 2 days ago!

Hello, Texas!

It sure has been a long time since I did three rounds of Texas, but today I did it! Seems like I've been doing hills at the gym for the past month. Or just doing one round as part of a longer run. Anyway, I did it! I went around 9:15 am and it was already getting too hot to be out there. In fact, my second trip up I thought might be my last! But I was successful in doing 3! So far my back and feet are feeling a lot better. Must have been the insoles.

This Weather is Perfect

Too bad it won't last!  58 again this morning when I left the house.  Slight breeze.  I was kind of cold for the first half mile.  But just a perfect morning to be out there.  Did my 3 miles and my exercises when I got home.  I have to start upping my mileage here next week and do at least a couple of 4 milers.  Need to get going!

Gym times!

Nothing to exciting to report from this coast. Pretty warm again. I went to the gym after work and it was good. Really busy there today! I did a 10 minute warmup on the elliptical and then did my normal weight lifting things. Run is on the menu for tomorrow!

Terrible Night/Day Off

A little wasp stung me on my left hand while I was in the garden yesterday afternoon and it is just itching and itching and itching and did so all night.  So I didn't sleep much and, therefore, have no umph this morning at all.  Unexpected day off.

Great Morning, Good Run

Believe it or not it was only 58 degrees when I left the house and I was cool running toward the north for the first mile or so until I warmed up.  Did the Finatics 3 Miler again today and it was good.  Then the exercises when I got home.  5K/10K coming up in Osceola on Sept. 6th.  I haven't registered yet but think I will.  Want to do the 10K so hope I can.

Cross my fingers!

Well, today I went for a run but I switched out my insoles to an older pair. Older but less wear. I think I used those for 6 or 8 months. The ones I've been using now are from May 2013. I've been having so much foot and back pain and I sure hope this is the cause and the solution! Tomorrow will be a good indicator, I suppose. Because it's worse in the morning. Good run today but it was sooooo hot. I was a sweaty mess when I got back. Gym day tomorrow so I won't have to worry about the heat!

We Got Rain!

It started during the night and continued into this morning so I opted for 3 miles on the TM.  Haven't done that for a couple months.  Also did my pushups and situps.  We have 2.5 inches of rain in the gauge here but CA and J say they got 4 inches in town!

Updates!

Well, I've been a posting slacker! Where did I leave off? I had a really lazy day yesterday. I finally went for a run around 4 pm. Did the home to Texas route, so about 4.2 miles. I didn't have too much umph in me, though. Today I went to the gym. I'm excited because one weight lifting exercise I was finally able to do fully reps! I increased that weight a week or so ago and had to cut my later reps short. But now I'm there!

Forgot to Post!

Guess I forgot to post anything yesterday about my morning run.  Well, I did it and then did it again today.  Not happy with my pace, etc., but can't seem to find the umph to pick it up either.  Beautiful morning here again but we need rain badly.  Starting to look like California here!

Gym!

Back at it! Yesterday I just didn't have a bit of oomph in me. So I did the smart thing and rested. I had such a weird morning today, though. I usually wake up at 5 but, today, I didn't wake up until my alarm went off at 6! I can't remember the last time that has happened. Must have needed a few more winks, anyway. I went to they gym and did the "hill treadmill" for 20 minutes. Then lifted weights. The last couple of weeks I have been going to the gym 3 times a week, not 2. And I can tell a difference. I am able to increase some of my weights. I wish that I would lose some weight, but that is just plain not happening. Alas and oh well!

Another Gorgeous Morning Run

We are just having some perfect, gorgeous days here.  Did the 3 miles again and it went well.  I feel very tired though and might just take a day off tomorrow.  Then hit it again on Friday and Saturday.

Is it bedtime yet?! / 3 miles

Dang, I'm worn out! Maybe I should have taken today off. Oh well, love and learn. Or don't learn, as is probably more accurate! I did not take the day off from running and I did 3 miles. Slow. It was hot and I was listening to my book. That always slows me down. I need to look for an app that plays a pacing sound!

Good Run

One of those perfect mornings.  65, sunny, slight breeze, not terribly humid although I was soaked in sweat when I got home.  Did the 3 mile route again and it went well.  Only walked once today for 50 feet or so. Might have to start carrying water with me.

Tired!

I am worn out today! Directly related to my running yesterday, I do so imagine. I did get to the gym today and it was good. Fine. Know what's weird? I feel like my left arm is more muscle-y than my right arm!

3 Mile Run

I did the full Fitantics route this morning and it went ok but it is humid here again.  Only about 70 degrees but way humid.  But I got it done and only walked twice very briefly.  Goal for the week is to run the whole 3 without walking any.  Then next week I'll tackle the 4 mile block a couple times.  Working up to a Gandy Dancer run!

Big day / 7 miles

Well, I cannot believe my report for today. I ran 7 miles. I'm as surprised as anyone! A couple weeks ago I ran 4 miles. But, other than that, I've only been doing 3 at a pop. I only planned on doing 5 but, once I was out there, I thought I could do more. so I did. I really think this is due to the gym. I think that lifting weights is increasing my strength and stamina. Otherwise I can't explain it. Because, historically, I wouldn't do a distance jump like this. I did not win any speed records! But I'll work on pace now. Oh, also, Saturday I went to the gym. I don't think I reported that!

Humid Run

Only about 68 when I left the house but the humidity....oh my!  Very humid and sticky.  But I did my planned 2 miles and the exercises when I got home.  Not making any progress on my weight yet but working at it.  Yes, only 2 months!!

Gym Run

Busy day today. I went to the gym after work and had a good run. I ran on the treadmill for 20 minutes - 15 at 3.5, 5 at 3.7. And all of it at a 9% incline. It was good but just not as hard as Texas!

Late Run

At least for me!  I slept in until 7:50 am!!  Almost unheard of but I did.  So I didn't get on the road until almost 8:45.  72 and humid but I ran the whole 2 miles and it went well.  Also did the pushups and situps when I got home.

I'll run 2 again tomorrow (earlier I hope!) and then start 3 miles a day on Monday.  Working up to that Whistlestop!  Only 2 months to get in shape!