Gym

Speaking of running smart, I ran at the gym today! It was just too hot to run outside (and in the sun) when we got home. And I wanted to lift weights, anyway, because July is an insane work month and I want to get there when I can. So I ran 1.25 miles (at 6/hour and 6.5/hour) as a warmup and then I did weight lifting. And I didn't do any abs when I got home because it was soooo dang hot! But I did something, and that's what counts.

I brought my running gear to Borrego, but it was just too hot. I didn't even contemplate it once I was there and in the heat. It would have been foolish and I might be running obsessed but I'm not THAT running obsessed!

My pilates session got moved to Wednesday at 6:30 am, so breath if your were holding your breath waiting for my report! Wednesday night it will be. Sounds like a very small studio. And they were really trying to get me in ASAP (I bet they have a lot of people who change their minds when they have to wait). In fact, when she called to change she offered today again. But I knew from an earlier conversation that she had plans. And I appreciate the effort they are putting in.

We did mainly healthy eating on this trip. We brought breakfast and lunch makings and then had dinner out. That really helped me feel good. We pretty consistently eat out on trips and I pretty consistently make unhealthy choices. I just really want to do a better job. So I'm glad we did that.

Busy week at work so I went grocery shopping today and picked up healthy food options. Healthy and easy. And good. Things that will have me thinking, "Well, yes, I could go get slices....but I could also have some shrimp!"

Dad, I'm going to look into trademarking Fitnatics again. I'll keep you up to date!

Good Morning

And happy 4th of July! Two years ago today we ran our first Fitnatics 5K. What fun that was! So I'm wearing that t shirt today in honor of the occasion.

It was 70 when I left the house this morning but seemed warmer than that. I did the 6 mile around the block route today and that's the longest I've run since Grandma's. I did have to walk some near the end because I was really heating up. And major disappointment! No dogs today and I was ready with my little horn! Oh, well, another day.

Good Morning

And what a good morning it is, too! Temps and humidity are both way down from yesterday although it was still 77 when I left the house to run at 8:00. Slept in a little today! Did the 4 mile around the block route and THE AIR HORN WORKED!! Those 2 dogs came down their driveway at 90 per barking and yapping and showing their big teeth. I let them get to about 15 feet from me and gave them a blast...and they immediately shut up, turned around and went back up their driveway looking back a me the whole way. I was thrilled! We'll see if they get use to it over time but I hope not because the next step will be pepper spray and they won't like that at all. So I did the 4 miles in some heat and had a pace of 10.29 which is ok considering the heat and the time it took to horn the dogs. Also did the exercises when I got home. Really worked up a sweat today. Nobody wanted a hug!

Gym

I did have a somewhat slack day today, but I did go to the gym tonight. I planned on doing a better job of sleeping in, but that didn't quite pan out! Oh well. Tomorrow!

Anyway, I just did a quick 5 minute warmup at the gym and then lifted some weights. Nothing too crazy! But I'm glad I did it.

Good luck with the weather and the dogs!

Good Morning

Wow! It's tropical out there today. About as far away from that morning along Lake Superior waiting for the half to start as you can get. It was 77 when I left the house and the dewpoint was 71!!! Unreal. So I only did 3 miles and walked about a quarter mile of that near the end. Just too hot and icky to go any farther today. I've been doing 4 miles every morning but not today. Big storms coming through later today and that's supposed to cool us off some. I'm planning to do 4 miles around the block (and the dogs) tomorrow morning.

Long(est) Run(since Grandma's)

I did a 6 mile run today! Why? Just felt like it! And it was really fun. Maybe it makes a difference that I did it because I wanted to verses doing it because I HAVE to.

My pace was a little over 10 minutes miles, but that's OK.

I had to work super late tonight, so I am going to take tomorrow off.

Thanks again for telling me about your t-shirt experience! I'm so excited about that!

Netflix!

Today was a Netflix day! I did the one full video. It is an ab based video but it is cardio and floor work. About 40 minutes. And then I did the 10 minute pilate video I've been doing. And I was so tired I didn't even do the last exercise! It was hard!

I did hills at lunch today too.

I'm so frustrated with my weight. Especially with this cruise coming up.

XO

Boo work!

Yes, I did have another irritating incident today. This time an employee pitched an absolute amazing tantrum. Here is the thing - I do like this guy. So I'm mainly concerned about him and his stress level. That said, everything I can do to reduce his stress will have an edge of punitiveness to it. Oh well!

I did a 3 mile run this am. Foot felt (mostly) fine. I was very slow today and I just really wasn't interested in running, truthfully. But I always figure, "I'm up. Might as well do it!" So I did. No abs today - I needed a break!

I ran hills at lunch - and I really needed to get out of the office today, let me tell you!

And then we went to the gym tonight. I just did 5 minutes of cardio as a warm-up and then I lifted weights. The weird thing is that my foot felt find all day until I did a hip abductor exercise. This one:

http://www.fitlink.com/exercise?type=machine&exercise=hip+abduction

So I really think this problem is related to my right hamstring and how tight it is. I've been stretching it, but maybe need to do more.

Weird eating day today! Lots of snacks but no formal meals. On the plus side, they were all healthy snacks. Like a handful of nuts. And a lot of fruit. Tonight my dinner will be:

Asparagus (currently eating)
Cereal and yogurt (homemade!)
Figs (I cannot even believe I found those at this time of year!)
Grapes or cherries

Today I had the most amazing stone fruit. It was a kind of pluot (apricot/plum mix). It actually tasted like a sweet tart!

Have a great night!

Good Morning

Another gorgeous morning here and not nearly so humid as yesterday. Temporary reprieve they are saying. Heat and humidity coming in tomorrow and into the 90's by the weekend.

I ran 2 miles north again and back. Time was good and pace was 10.16 so I was happy with that. Also did my sit ups and push ups. Took Abba with me today. Forgot to say I took Barry with me yesterday.

I registered for that Wannigan Days 5K in SCF on the 16th. Did I tell you that already? Anyway, I did. So, that will be my next event. Then I am thinking about a half marathon in Red Wing on July 30th. Could be very warm and if it's hot and humid I probably wouldn't do it even if I was registered. Thinking about it though.

Running!

I had a really good run today. I'm working on my pace, too. And it is getting better. Well, if I'm going as far as I think I am!! Also, I went 3.08 miles Saturday and 3.01 today. Exact same route, of course!

No dogs for me today, but it sure was humid here, too! Now, nothing in comparison to yours. And I know that for a fact. But we're weaker people out here so we have to complain about something like our little bit of humidity!

Today I did a new to me ab video. New one but the kind that is cut into 10 minute segments. So I did the abs and the exercises were fine but, I tell you, the host lady is sooo irritating. I don't know if I'll do it again! Just unnatural and I felt like I was in kindergarten. "Oh, you're doing sooo great running with those rounded scissors!" And it was very practiced - sounded like a very memorized script. So I don't think I'll do that again (well, maybe!) because I have others I really like.

Good Morning

Well, I almost didn't do it this morning. My right leg kind of bothered me all day yesterday. I'm sure when I turned to confront those dogs on Saturday I pulled something down there. But this morning it felt fine so I decided I would give it a try and see how it was. And it was great! Didn't bother me at all. I went 2 miles north on 180th and back and had my best pace in weeks...10.18! I was very pleased and surprised! I think that will be my route this week and I'm going to see if I can get down to 10.0 per mile. Very glad I went. Then I did my sit ups and push ups when I got home. Gorgeous morning here but a little on the humid side. I was happy to turn south and into the wind this morning!

Ouch say the abs!

Woooo boy are my abs smarting tonight! It wasn't too bad this morning, but I did that entire video today (not just the floor part). And the first part isn't so much "just cardio" like I thought. It is cardio, but ab focused cardio. Anyway, it actually was fun. And it must work since my abs are letting me know they are irritated with me!

I also ran today, for better or worse. I did 3 miles - the Kensington route. It was hot! And lots of traffic. My problem tonight is that my foot hurts. Did they take an MRI of your foot? I think I'll ask for an xray and MRI (if that's what you had).

Enjoy your day off!

Love you!

Good Morning

I stayed in bed until 7:15 this morning even though I first woke up at 5:30 and just dozed off and on after that. I laid there thinking about last Saturday morning! Glad I was in bed this week.

But I did get up and run the 4 mile route around the block. First real run since the race and it was fine. Wanted to work on my pace and did. 10.26 per mile. But those damn dogs came out at me again today so I might have to just be satisfied going north and south on 180th Street. Too bad because I like saying that "I ran around the block." Then I started doing the 60 sit ups and 60 push ups again, too. That was work after about 10 days off! So I hope I am back on track. I took the cast of Glee with me this morning and thank you again for that!

I don't think I'll register for that half in Minneapolis on the 4th. They are predicting temps in the high 80's and low 90's by the end of this week and over the holiday weekend. I can't run in that weather even though it starts at 6:30 am. I am going to run the Wannigan Days 5K in SCF on July 16th though.

Have a good day!

Stuff and Things

I did a bunch of stuff and things today! And I had a healthy food day again. So, two days in a row. That is good.

Today I found a new workout video. It is 45-ish minutes long, and I only did the ab part at the end, maybe 10 or 15 minutes. It was HARD! But my abs don't feel super sore tonight, which is odd.

I did run hills at lunch. I had a super stressful day today and needed to get the heck out of the office. I'll email you separately on that topic.

And I did the gym tonight, even though I didn't want to go. I really wanted to go home but I figured I should work out my angst. And muscles don't build themselves!

Like I said, a healthy food day. I ate a lot of fruit and veggies.

We are still having serious June Gloom here! I'm ready for some sun!

Extreme Icing!

I really did serious icing today and....I hate it! Brrrrr! But I'll do what I need to do. I feel like I should hold off running till things seem "normal".

As I typed that I realized, duh!, that I'm going to be reporting that I ran hills at lunch! I did 5 and it was so much fun to be out there and do them. I missed it!

I did that ab video this am, again. Geesh, it is hard! It is cut into 10 minutes segments so it was just 10 minutes of abs. Totally doable.

And then I did the elliptical at the gym for 20 minutes.

Home and had a healthy dinner. Just tallied up my calories and I ended up the day at 1370. Pretty good - maybe I can have a snack!

Dang, it is hard how those calories add up!

Did you know that an entire cup of asparagus only has 27 calories??? Yay asparagus I love you!

Day off and gym and....cruise!

So, it hit me today. I have a cruise coming up in a few SHORT weeks. I have some serious work to do. Yep, time to pull out the food journal and food scales!

I did go to the gym today. I did the elliptical for 20 minutes - running style. And then I did some serious weight lifting.

I made a grocery store trip and have a house full of healthy food. I really need to buckle down.

Tonight my right ankle is really sore and the bottom of that foot hurts. That is the one that looked bruised post run. I am going to engage in some serious icing. If this persists beyond this weekend, I'm going straight to the doctor. I don't want to mess around with this.

I'll do something tomorrow! Wish I was doing something with YOU!

Good RAINY Morning

Yes, more rain, thunder and lightning here this morning. Rained off and on all day yesterday and will do so again today they say.

So I did 2 miles on the TM this morning just to see how it would go. It went fine but I could sure feel it in the backs of my legs. Knees were fine so no problem there and those muscles back there are just sore I'm sure. So, back at it!

I still have the 2 lbs I put on last week though in all my nervous eating before the big run. I'm going to lose it though. Oh, yes, I am!

Feeling Good

No run this morning but just reporting that I feel pretty good. Knees and legs seem fine. I'm kind of surprised actually. I expected more pain! Maybe I'll have to do this again!

The only bad news is that in spite of the run on Saturday I gained 2 lbs over the weekend!! How did that happen? Must have been those biscuits and gravy for breakfast yesterday morning!

Yes We Did!

We did it!!

Yes we did! Congratulations to all 3 of us!! What an exhilarating experience to actually do this! Thanks for the motivation and encouragement!

Just for the record my time for the half was 2 hours, 23 minutes, 55 seconds.

Good Luck!!!

Today is the day - no matter what our ticker says!!

An old coworker of mine is a runner and she used to work at RRS. And she said she doesn't know of any family that runs together like we do. She knows of families with one runner and the family supports that runner, but not with so many members being involved with the running aspect. Pretty cool!

Good luck, my Fitnatic BFF! I love you!

Great Run!

It was a great day for the 3rd annual Fitnatics 5K! And we did it!! Yes, we did! Everybody ran and had a great, great time. Good warm up for the marathon weekend which is now just one day away!

Short Run

As in a mile! Yep, short. I just wasn't so into this am, which I'm OK with. It was a really fast outdoor run though, for all it was tiny short!

Pretty excited. And nervous. I wonder how it will all turn out and how my pace will be. We'll know soon enough!

See you tomorrow!

My Last Training Run

It's a gorgeous morning here and I ran 6.2 miles outside. I have to admit that my knees were starting to bother me by the time I was done though so I don't know how it will go on Saturday but I'll just do the best I can do. I plan to take Aleve before leaving the hotel which I didn't do this morning. I also didn't eat anything and didn't have any Stingers or anything to take and that might have given me a boost. The new shirt was great though!

And, except for the Fitnatics 5K, I am just going to rest now.

Only 5 days!

Quick Update

I had another really good run at the gym today. No matter what my nike + uploaded, I did 6 miles in about 54 minutes! This makes me feel pretty good about my potential marathon pace. Obviously I can't maintain today's pace for 26 miles, but I can do better than I was thinking I could do!

I did some abs stuff when I got home.

I tested out my new shorts today. I don't want to do anything new the day of the race, that's for sure! So I will bring pants and shorts and just see what I need the day of.

See you SOON!

Great run!

Geesh, how long has it been since I have said that? I feel like it has been a looong time. But I really did have a great run today and it has made me think of how I'll train for my next marathon.

I was considering going on a longish run today - like 15 miles. But my concern is not at all about my ability to do the distance. It is about my pace. So I decided to sacrifice distance and work on speed. And I've tried that a couple of times recently, with disheartening results. I think I'm going fast, but it isn't really.

So today I went to the gym and ran on the treadmill. Enforced pace! No guess work. And I ran over six miles in under an hour. My average pace was 9:22 (if I remember correctly). And it was great because it was really hard but I kept it up over 6 miles. And that is way faster than I want to run on Saturday. But I'm going to do it again tomorrow. Try to get used to going a little faster.

It was great, mentally, too. It was hard but it made me feel excited again. I guess I've been kind of down on my running because of my pace.

I'm going to incorporate treadmill running into my training from now on. When I was running so fast a few months ago, I was running at the gym maybe once a week. And I think that really helped me have a fast pace outside.

Boy, we are sooo close! Can't wait!

Much Better!

Not my pace, but my emotional state! I've been soooo soooo crabby. So crabby. Like punch, scratch (eyes), pull hair crabby. And tonight I went to the farmer's market in North Park and it was just like my world got shoved back into alignment. Bonus: smiling accordion guy was the entertainment there tonight! I love him but I've only seen him at the Saturday market!

Today I waaay slept in. Till like 5:18. Just totally ignored my alarm clock. And then running time rolled around and I really wished I had stayed in bed. So I decided to do a short run. I did 3 miles as fast as I could. Which may have been -10 minutes per mile, or may have been 20 minutes per mile. Who knows!

Then I did the legs and abs pilates video. Man, that is so hard. I'll feel it tomorrow!

I can't even believe it is almost time.

See you Tuesday!!!

Oh, Angie says the shirts are AWESOME!!

Emotional Status: Grrrr!

Pace: UNKNOWN
Distance: UNKNOWN

Man, I'm just about to give up on all tracking. I don't know how far I'm going. I don't know my pace. So frustrating.

I recalibrated at the lake yesterday, but I have zero idea if that's accurate. I just find it so hard to believe that I'm going as slow as my Nike+ is telling me. But maybe I am. Who knows. I don't! I'm just at a point where I don't trust any of it. I have no idea if I'm accurate now.

But I did have a good run. I THINK it was about 6 miles. But what do I know!!

Ouch!

My calves hurt! It is kind of nuts. This has never happened to me before. But they are just really sore and it started after my run yesterday and continues today. And they didn't hurt during my run. Just after. So odd!

I took today semi-off. I ended up going in for a couple of hours. But I did go up to Miramar and I ran 10. I was going to do more, but I waited too late in the day and it was too hot. But not 100 degrees hot! Dang, you're sweltering there!

Hope you're doing ok!

Aching!

I'm having a day of aching! First, my weekend was an absolute bust when it came to running. I ended up working all day on Saturday. And I mean 7:30 to 5 all day. So no running. And then I just was so....exhausted on Sunday. No idea why. And I worked a little bit Sunday, too.

Today I had to force myself out of bed! Nuts! But I did and I made myself run, too. I did 10 miles today. Really really nice day. Perfect, actually.

And that's it! Worked trough lunch - boo me! But I will tell you that I am taking tomorrow off and part of Wednesday! So I'll do a good run tomorrow. Probably up at the lake.

I'm sure glad your knees are hanging in there! I'd like to do that run you did today with you someday. I bet it was beautiful!

Good Morning

Hot and humid here today but I did something I never do on Mondays. I set my alarm for 6 am so I could run before it got too hot. However, it still got too hot! I went up to Centuria and ran on the Gandy Dancer Trail. Very nice. Level. Mostly in the shade going north from Centuria. So I went 3 miles north and then back to the car for a 2nd water bottle. Then 1 mile north again and back. Did 8 miles. Wanted to do 10 but it was just too hot and humid. Was afraid I would have a heat stroke. So that's my last long run before the race. I don't know. I had to walk some of the last 2 miles but that was due to heat. My knees were pretty much ok - an occasional pain but nothing to stop me. However, I was feeling some stress in my plantar fascia in that right foot today! Where did that come from? It's been fine for a year! So I'm going to wear that sock tonight I think. It seems fine now so I don't know. I'm still really wondering if I can actually do 13 miles. My pace was terrible today, too, because of the walking. So we'll soon find out.

Good GORGEOUS Morning!

Oh, what a perfect, beautiful, gorgeous morning here! 68, sunny, just enough breeze. Heaven must be like this! Lay Sunday at PLC today so I am off and playing hokey from church! Shhh....

So, I went for a 4 mile run around the block. No dogs this morning so it was perfect! Left knee started to bother at 3 miles but I kept going. Planning a 10 miler tomorrow for my last big run so we'll see. Sure hope I can do it. If not, I will be in the cheering section I'm afraid. But I'm not giving it up yet. Knee feels fine now so no after effects apparently. Have outside work to do today so will see what the day brings.

Have a good one!

Not 100%.........

.....but 100% better! If that makes any sense. I really do feel like a new person. But a new sick person.

I did an 8 mile run this morning. I wanted to do 10, but I just didn't have it in me. It took me a long time to fall asleep last night, so that might be why I didn't have enough oomph. Oh, yeah, plus I'm sick.

I did pushups and abs when I got back.

Have not been to the gym all week and I sure feel bad about that. Sunday I'll go!

I need to get another long run in, too. I'm planning 15 for Saturday. Gotta do it. I feel like my training is behind, although it is really not. Just performance anxiety, I guess!

Not Such A Good Morning

It was +49 when I was ready to go but, again, very windy and it felt cold out there. I decided I just didn't want to fight it. So, I went down to the TM. And it's a good thing because I quit at 2 miles!

We went to the Osceola Braves games last night to hear Megan sing the National Anthem. She was excellent, of course, but when we left after the first inning I fell in the bleachers and must have pulled a muscle in my left groin area because it was really hurting while running this morning. I finally just quit at 2 miles! I'm sure it's nothing serious or permanent and just needs rest which it will get because I won't run now until Saturday morning in Eau Claire. Last night when I fell I thought the only thing I hurt was my pride. Guess not.

I really, really need a 10 mile run on Monday for my confidence to return. It's been a bad 2 weeks here in the running department.

Another day....

Not much to report today. I got up and felt a lot better this am, so I did a 6 mile run. And I did abs when I got home.

And then I steadily felt worse all day long! This is very sad. Today it is mostly my ears that are aching. I suppose there is just a lot of pressure in there.

Hopefully I'll be better tomorrow.

And I do feel...well, not better today. But different than yesterday. So that's something!

Good Morning

I ran 4 miles out there this morning. 2 miles north and then back. Had a big scare with dogs yesterday going around the block so just avoided them today. Cool and very windy so it was a challenge today, too, but very different from yesterday in the humidity. Went well today in spite of the wind.

I really need to do 6 miles tomorrow so will maybe see those dogs again. Hope not. Yesterday was the first time they've come out on the road and nipped and barked at me. Then taking Friday off to drive to Eau Claire by 9 am for our Synod Assembly. On Saturday in Eau Claire there is a little 5K being run as part of the Assembly to raise money for malaria nets and I think I'll do that. Very informal run. No timing, no registration, no t shirts! Maybe no runners! I'll let you know.

Blah!

Yep, that's me! I'm tired and, really, ready for bed. At 7:15. Yikes.

I did run this morning, but nothing spectacular. 3 slow miles. Then I did ab stuff.

Then I did nothing. No hills. No gym.

I really didn't sleep well last night, so I'm hoping for better tonight and a better tomorrow!

Hopefully I'll have a less dreary report for you tomorrow!

Good Morning

It is very, very humid here this morning but I managed to run around the 4 mile block. It really seemed like work today and I think it was directly related to the humidity. But it was nice to be out there.

Good Morning

I should say Good Rainy Morning! Really been dark and dreary and rainy and windy ever since we got up. So I didn't get my last big run in today. Instead I did 4 miles on the TM and that will have to do for today. Hopefully, later in the week I can get an 8 or 10 miler in. I really wanted to do it today but what you gonna do? Mother Nature sure hasn't cooperated with us around here this year. Will try for Thursday morning because then Friday and Saturday I have to be in Eau Claire for our Synod Assembly.

How you feeling after your big run? 20 miles! Wow! Very impressive!

I did it!

Whew! I've got to tell you, I was a little bit nervous after last week. I knew that if I could not do my long run today I was going to have some serious physical and mental problems come the 18th. But I did it! It really highlighted for me the difference between impossible and difficult. Last Saturday, I really just couldn't run anymore. Today, it was tough. But I could totally do it. And the entire time I was out there I knew I could do it.

I felt good but it was a slow run. I really need to modify my pace expectations for the marathon. I feel like those two weeks I had to take off (when I was sick) are still hurting my speed. I'm going to aim to beat last years time. That is a solid goal for where I am now. Next time I'll focus more on pace.

Let me tell you, the most difficult part of the run came after I should have been finished. Because the official distance is something like 4.92 miles. Which means I had about a half a mile to peg on after I was "finished". That was hard! Oh, such insidious thoughts! But I kept on!

I also had a tough time at mile 18. Because my long run last year was 18 miles. So I hit 18 and thought, "You did well wit 18 last year....you could stop now...."

I am a lot better with my recovery this year. I must be hydrating better of something. I'm feeling pretty good tonight, although I'm tired. To be expected, though.

So, I'm going to make it! WHEW!

Nike+ GPS SportWatch gets a firmware update!

Well, this may change my decision to return. I got an email today telling me that I could update my watch with new "software" that should fix the problem. And it really lead me to wonder because yesterday I was told it would be a firmware update. I decided to give it shot and plugged in the watch tonight and, low and behold, there was a firmware update awaiting me!

As you know, yesterday I was told (via email):

"I did, however, check with my Research team and they advised me that our Instant Pace is not working correctly on the SportWatches. They are getting a fix for this as soon as possible and will have a firmware update very soon. This is why your pace is looking very inaccurate. Your average pace should look correct when you plug in your SportWatch and upload it to our website but the instant in run pace is not working correctly at this time. We do not have an ETA...."

It was the "We do not have an ETA" that really concerned me. But miracles do happen! Now I will let you know if it works!

Good Morning

Beautiful morning here so I ran 6 miles outside and all went just great. Felt strong at the end, too, which is always a good sign. Had a great night's sleep which helps immensely. Ran around the block and it was so nice out there. Also love my new prescription sunglasses so I can see when I'm running! I can now read those No Trespassing signs like nobody's business! Supposed to be raining tomorrow morning so really glad I could get outside today.

Have a good day!

I got it!!!!

What is "IT"? Come on! You know! The Nike+GPS! Now, I know what you are asking yourself. You are asking, "How the heck did that happen when it is almost impossible to pry a dollar from the hand of that girl??" Three words: REVISED BIRTHDAY GIFT!

Bart and I have been talking about Vegas and we just have no idea when we are going to be able to get out there. Someday we will be out there again and we will see Barry. But I just don't know when. So Bart thought to do this! He wants me to be the best outfitted runner on the course. SCORE!

So today I ran with my new pal. And my miles have been off based on this - but off by about what we thought. I ran 6.26 miles today and yesterday I did the same course and it registered on my old Nike+ as 6.62. Not terrible, but I know you understand why that's so frustrating.

Now, the one problem I have with this is that the pace is wildly inaccurate. Like ranging from 6:44 minutes per mile (Boston, watch out!!) to 16:04 minutes per mile. Both totally impossible. Like I can't even conceive at a time where either could have happened. So, I need to figure out if there is a way to rectify that because knowing my pace at any given time is, as you know, an incredibly valuable piece of information. I'm going to research that now.

Anyway, fun! I'll let you try it!

Speed Test

Today I decided to do a short run (6 miles) and "run as fast as I can." Turns out....that's not super fast. Maybe I didn't really run as fast as I can. I'm going to turn on my Nike coach again. Have them tell me things. Because I want to pick up the pace. Run was good otherwise.

I also ran hills and went to the gym (session 1 of the week - 2 more to go!), so a full day. I'm tired!

I signed up for the 9:55/mile pace team, but that might be a bit ambitious. But the 10:18 is the next team and I hope to do a bit faster than that. Although, after today I guess that is where I should be!!

Much better report!

Saturday sure made me a bit sad. But I'm glad I didn't let it get me down too much because I had a really good run today, and I feel confident it will all turn out OK.

I did ten miles today and I wore the stability shoes. I didn't have that tiredness I did Saturday, although I didn't run as far, either, so it's not really a true test. But I did feel really good and felt like I could keep going. Honestly, though, I started feeling a little tired (in general, not leg tired) around mile 9. So I clearly still have some work to do.

I forgot to tell you two interesting things about Lake Miramar on Saturday! First, I saw a guy who must be on the Olympic race walking team. He was walking sooo fast and one time when he passed me I saw that he had the Olympic symbol tattooed on his left shoulder blade! So he probably is on the team or really wants to be!

Then I saw these ElliptiGO machines:

http://store.elliptigo.com/

You can see it in action here:

http://www.elliptigo.com/

Finally, an interesting article on eggs:

http://health.ninemsn.com.au/whatsgoodforyou/theshow/693988/are-eggs-bad-for-your-heart

I ate two today!

Don't Know How To Title This

I'm kind of discouraged here. I did run 12.1 miles but at mile 9 my left knee really started bothering me. I mean I thought it was going to buckle on me. Walked about 50 feet and then ran again. And that's the way the last 3 miles went. I estimate I walked about a half mile of the last 3. And I'm in pain here now. Have an ice pack on it and will take another Aleve soon.

So, I don't know. My time was 2 hours and 14 minutes for a pace of 11.03 for the 12.1 miles which included some walking so I don't think that's too bad. My goal for the half marathon has been 2.30 so I'm thinking that even if I have to walk some I might be close to that. But, I really wanted to run the whole way.

Needless to say, I will be taking tomorrow off!

Weekend Wrap-up

Whoa, blogging slacker!! Well, I have good news and bad news about this weekend. The best news, I guess, is that I'm not disheartened by the bad news.

First the good news. I went to the gym yesterday which means I met my goal of going to the gym three times in a week! I was very happy. Am very happy! And I did a new arm thing and I can really feel it. I think having this 30 minute turnaround will make it so much easier for me to go to they gym. Aiming for 3 again this week! Muscles? Finally? Maybe!

The bad news is that I had to abort my long run on Saturday. I ran about 13 miles and just could not do any more. And I walked. Me! So.....I really thing it was the shoe switch. I have not been running in those frees for a couple of weeks and it was just so hard. So hard. Like running in sand. I was totally exhausted and just had absolutely nothing left. I was pretty sad about that. But I will do my long run next Saturday, which is when I did it last year. So I'll be on schedule. And I can feel my knee tweaked again, which is why I switched out the frees anyway! Totally forgot. But I'm not disheartened because I think I know why it happened and it doesn't make me worried for the marathon. I can do it!

Good luck today!! I'm thinking of you!

Whew!

I had a really good - and really full! - day of exercise. I ended up leaving work late again and so I almost slacked out of the gym. But I really want to go three times a week so I just talked myself into it and did it!

I had a great run this morning - 10 miles. And my pace was a lot better then it has been in some time, so I am really happy about that. No rain today, too! That's happy, for sure!

I had a drama filled day at work, so I was really happy to run hills at lunch. I really got out of the habit but I can feel myself getting stronger already. And, honestly, I think that is what is having such a positive impact on my pace. Hills are speed work in disguise, they say. And I think, for once, "they" are right!

And then the gym. I was in and out in under 30 minutes. But I did a full body workout. I'm not sure how much good I am doing in 30 minutes but I figure it is better than zero minutes!

Hope your Friday is awesome!

Oh, I finally could upload to Nike+ when I tired again tonight.

Good GORGEOUS Morning!

It's another beautiful San Diego type morning here. Perfect. I ran 4 miles outside. Sunny, no wind at all, 60 degrees. Doesn't get any better than that. And my knees felt fine this morning. No problem at all. So I'm glad for that, too. Nothing but good news from here! Hope you have a good day, too.

10% Chance of rain.......

Should have said 100%! I saw the forecast and figured I'd beat the 10% - real rain was not supposed to come until 11 am. At 6:30 I got out there and started getting wet. Yep, right from the beginning! Not really "raining". Just more of an irritant. Drizzle, I guess. But, naturally, I had my handy dandy rain gear!

I did 8 miles this morning. Yes, in the rain. I'm silly. But I was at 6.60 when I got home and I figured 8 was not much more than that! So I kept on.

Now, I will admit that I'm not feeling great. But I think I am tired because I did not sleep well last night. Not sick. I'm going to get a solid night tonight, for sure. I command it!

Calm Day

Morning to you! I hope you are feeling great this am and not too stiff and sore. You'll like your day off though!

I had my post-long run day off today. And, actually, I really felt good. I didn't even take any ibuprofen today. Although I might tonight. Soreness can make me toss and turn, which I did a bit of last night.

Anyway, I slept in today - till 7! And then I ran hills at lunch. I thought it was cold when I went outside but then realized it was just right once I started moving.

And I actually went to the gym after work! That is three times now since last week. I have a new strategy - to not torture myself. I'm going, doing 5 minutes of warm up, and then doing arms and legs. And I'm in and out in about 35 minutes. I think I can keep that up, as long as I keep the time commitment down.

Have a great day off!

Good GORGEOUS Morning!

What a beautiful morning here! Perfect running weather. Sunny, slight breeze, about 50 degrees. So I went 10 miles!!! Yes, I did! 10.02 miles in 1.41.39 so a pace of 10.08 per mile!!! I ran from home to the church. Had to add a one mile jog behind the Pepsi plant to get it to 10 miles so I did. I can hardly believe it! I am tired now and a little stiff but feeling good! And I ran the whole way. Was hoping the light would be red when I got to highway 8 at Menards so I could stop for a minute or two but it was green so I had to keep going. Had some doubts along the way but just kept moving. I feel very good about this!

Long Run

Today was my long run day and I'm wondering now if 6:30 is too early to go to bed. I'm worn out!

I did have a good run though. I went up to Miramar and did 15. Three times around. That last trip was the hardest - well, at the beginning. I really had to talk myself out of just going to my car! I kept going, but it was a close thing for a bit.

It was pretty cold (cool) out there today. In fact, I got rained on! Good thing I had my trusty rain gear! I needed it today. And it is a good thing that happened on the far side of the lake on my last round!

It was still busy there today, for all that it was cloudy and cool. And there must have been a lot of people getting to ready run the Rock and Roll marathon at the beginning of June because there were a lot of super fast people out there!

I wish I could have been lazy the rest of the day but I had a lot of stuff to do - grocery shopping, some cooking. So much laundry, I just can't even tell you! But it is all done now.

Good luck with your long run tomorrow! I bet it will be great! I sure wish I was the one picking you up!

Have to brag...

...just a little anyway! We ran the Green Bay 5K this morning and everyone did a great job! I was very pleased with my effort. Ran it in 29.17 with a pace of 9.26. I placed 9th in my age group (men 60-64) and 556 overall out of 2680 runners! So I am very pleased with that!! Tomorrow (Sunday) is a day of rest and then on Monday I go for my first 10 miler!

Different shoes

I'm not happy with the way my feet have been feeling so I pulled out an old new pair of shoes. What the heck does that mean?? Well, I got them a year ago at a running store (not RRS) but they are the same kind that RRS recommended. Anyway, I did a couple of 6 mile runs in them and then went back to my Nike Frees. And I could not return them, of course, because I ran in them! That's why I really like the policy at Road Runner. Anyway, I decided to give them another try. And the results were interesting. My right leg was very tired about 1/3 of the way through. My only thought is that I may have been favoring it in general and this morning it was able to do more of its share of the work. Because that is the foot I have the biggest problem with. But I'm also noticing a knee twinge in that same leg over the last couple of weeks, which is really why I'm trying this different shoe. I'll let you know how it goes!

Did 6 miles today and it went well. OK time. Still over 10 minute miles, but getting closer.

I did abs and pushups. Shocking, I know! And then I did hills at lunch!

Went to the last every AA Farmer's Market tonight. Sad!

Big Run

Hi! I went to bed darn early last night. I was worn out by the time I got home. But I awoke feeling good this morning - all day, actually. Being rested is one of the most important things to my mental and physical health, I think.

I had a good run today - ten miles. Last year I ran 14.19 miles on the 9th, took the 10th off and ran 5.61 on the 11. I'll probably run 6 tomorrow and 10 Friday. Gym day on Saturday, 15 on Sunday. We'll see. I really need to start doing the long runs, though. I think I'm a week behind from when I started the 15 mile weekly runs last year.

I did 2.5 hills at lunch. I went out and just had no desire to do more! So I didn't. Too big of a run today to make myself.

And, boo, I didn't go to the gym. I planned on doing it but....plans fall apart! I ate lunch so late (probably 4:30), that I was just all out of whack.

And I won't go tomorrow because I will be at the Adams Avenue Farmer's Market. The last one ever! Yep! Attendance is so low (and there are so few vendors now) that the are calling it good and closing up shop. Pretty sad, especially considering that it is summer and much more likely that people would go.

XO!

Good Morning

Bike riding morning for me so I rode 5 miles...in the wind! Very windy. Going to be hot and humid later today they are saying but this morning it was cool (52) and windy.

Home!

I was really wondering about you this morning because I checked your weather and it looked like serious rain! Good for you - and congratulations! You did it!!!

I got home around 12:30 this am and was in bed by 1, sleeping by 1:30. And then my alarm went off at 5! Dang it! But I slept till 7. So, obviously, I didn't run. But I did run hills at lunch. And that was good. I'm so out of that habit. Time to get back to it for sure.

And I made a good dinner choice tonight, so I was kind of proud of myself. I urgently need to go to the grocery store but I ended up working late and I just couldn't do it. So I was going to get slices but I saw this place called Flavors of East Africa had opened and I decided to give it a try. And I got something super good and healthy. It came with a side that is almost like grits - it is a white corn thing. But the entree was collards and cabbage. Sauteed with a sore of vinegary sauce. Very tasty! So I got healthy vegetables. Way better for me than pizza!

I sure had fun but I am worn out, let me tell you. I'm ready for bed now. Nite!

Just call me...

...the 8 mile man!!! And on the TM, too! Even I'm amazed. Angie and I planned to run to the church together this morning until a huge thunder and lightning storm woke us up at 6 am! Rained for the next 3 hours so ... down the stairs I went. Decided to only do 4 miles and get the 8 miler in later in the week but when 4 miles were done I thought I'd do 5. Then 6. Then 7. And the rest is history!! 8.05. And at a consistent pace of 10.35 and an incline of 1.5%. Lance was so proud!

Getting There!

I know I emailed you and Angie earlier and told you that I was worried about my progress last night. But I looked at my schedule last year, and I'm not terribly off. I just need to make sure I start doing a 15 miler once a week and I MUST get back to hills. That will help with my pace, more than anything.

I was too excited to sleep this am, truth be told. I was up by 4:30, in fact! (I'm so excited I could cry. For real.) So I hit the road 30 minutes early and did a 12 miler. Boy, was the end hard! But I did it! And I was surprised that my average pace was around 10:30 per mile. I thought it was slower. So that made me happy. And I did a pretty good job at hydration.

Back at it next week!

Good GORGEOUS Morning!

Wow! Just beautiful out there! 48 when I left the house and I got too warm in my sweatshirt. By the time I was at 2 miles I wished I hadn't worn it. I did 6.6 miles this morning so got half way to a half marathon. I was done though so I don't know. Taking tomorrow and Sunday off (yes, both days!) and then going for 8 miles on Monday if the weather is good.

I went north on 180th St. to 160th Ave., then east on 160th to 170th St. South on 170th to 140th Ave., then west on 140th back to 180th St. and home. I did a little extra on 140th to be sure to get to at least 6.5 miles. I think I like this route better than going east on the 6 mile block. Less hills!

Weather-y

Not REALLY weather-y, just sort of. OK, actually it was just kind of foggy/wet. But still! That's weatherish. My hair was curly today. That's always a bonus!

I had a really good run this morning. I did 7 miles - although slow. I'm OK with that. I feel like I've been off schedule so I'm ok that my pace isn't awesome. I'm more concerned about getting the consistent miles in at this point.

More tomorrow!

XO!

Good RAINY Morning

Yup, that what it is. Rainy. Temp is 40 but raining pretty good so did 4 miles on the TM again today. This morning, however, I watched the TV for a change of pace. Caught up on all the news and then some. Also did my exercises. It's supposed to stop raining by noon and then be gorgeous tomorrow so I'm hoping to get back outside then.

OY!

Today was "A DAY", let me tell you! It kind of started last night, actually. We are updating our internet connection and I stayed at work till 8 so I could be the "tester". Well, 8 rolled around and we were broken as broken can be! The worker guy wanted to finish from home so I ran back to the office around 11 to test. Good news: it works! Also good news: I slept in and went to work late!

But let me tell you, it was HOT when I got out there to run. And I was a little worried about work because it had been busy. So I kept it short - 3 miles. Came home, showered and was eating my oatmeal when work called to tell me that EVERYTHING was awry! Apparently we had not been getting all of our email delivered, so there were 50 old client emails in the queue! So I'm really glad I kept it short!

The good news is that we handled it really well. I'm super pleased with our performance. And I was even able to get out and run hills. It seemed to have cooled down by that point of the day, so that was great!

Now I'm home and resting! I'm excited for bed.

Good GORGEOUS Morning!

Gorgeous! +36 when I was ready to run and absolutely no wind, sun is shining, so I did it outside! Ran around the 4 mile block and it was beautiful out there. Then did the push ups and sit ups when I got home. Day is off to a great start! Hope you have a good one, too. (+55 here now and goint to +68 they say!)

Good Morning

Nice and sunny here this morning and no wind at all.....but it was only 24 when I got up and only 28 when I was ready to run.....so 4 miles on the TM....again. Going into the 60's today and the rest of the week so maybe.....

Behind!

I didn't post about our day yesterday! We just did a short run - three miles. Into Kensington. It was good - but hot! Yep, waited till the hottest part of day, yet again. That's what happens when I'm in charge, I guess.

That's all I've got! Today was off. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Good Morning

And happy birthday to you!

I was supposed to do my first 8 mile run this morning but it's too damn cold out there!! +31 and very windy so I just didn't do it. Instead I ran 4 miles on the TM and hope to get the 8 miler in one day later in the week....if it warms up a little.

Miramar

Hi! It's your girls reporting in! We had such a fun day today - but busy and we're both ready for bed.

We did go up to Miramar today. I believe we waited till the hottest part of the day to head up. But we did it and had fun. I really like it up there.

We also got to RoadRunner Sports today. Angie took the shoe test and we'll test her purchase for real tomorrow. We bought them with my VIPness, so she has a great return policy if she does not love them!

Thanks for the birthday card and gift! We had birthday dinner tonight and I opened it - very fun! I see running gear in my future!

XO

Fun Times!

Well, you know my big news! I have amazing surprise company! It's great!

I got up this morning at the regular time and just did a short 3 mile run this am. It was good and nice out. And then I went to work to "do just a couple things." and ended up there till 3. But that's the way it goes! Wonder Twin Ang had super fun sleeping in (till 6....ha!), running the Kensington route, walking to a coffee shop in Kensington, eating a salad for lunch, and killing zombies!

Tomorrow: Miramar! We are both excited!

And I'm Back!

Really! Today is the first day I feel GREAT and I had a really great (but still a bit slow....) run. But I really felt good out there and felt strong. And I did not feel strong on Monday or Tuesday. So it was a really happy thing to feel like I was kicking asphalt today!

I did a 7 mile run this morning. Thought I was going to have to stop for a bathroom break after mile 1! Guess I've been drinking more liquid in the am. But I powered through it and....well, they say your body reabsorbs pee if you don't go! So maybe I was extra hydrated too.

Now I'm ready for a healthy dinner. With tomatoes! Yeah - who am I???

I keep meaning to ask how your glide is working for you. Good?

I hope you had a fantastic day off!

Hills and 80 degrees!

I was, as you know, SORE! So I took the day off from my am run. It was nice - slept in till 6 am.

And then I ran hills at lunch! Oh, wow, am I out of hill shape. I did the hill 5 times and it was very very hard. Add to that the fact that it was very very hot! 80 today! It was just beautiful out there and I am so glad I could get out!

Back to the am run tomorrow!

Ouch!

Well, darn, 7 miles may have just been a tad ambitious for my first day back. You may be thinking, "Julie probably took today off if she was ever so sore from her run." Well, let me tell you, you would be WRONG. Of course I didn't take a recovery day.

And I'm really extra sore!

I did 4 miles today and it was work ever second. And I'm running slow so there were a lot of seconds!

It was wet when I went out there. Not actively raining, but it had just finished. I didn't get rained on, even though I was prepared with my "rain gear".

I am taking tomorrow off from running. I am going to sleep in a bit and then do hills and lift weights after work. That's the plan as of now at any rate!

Hurry up 7 PM!

Cause that's when I'm going to bed! Wow, I'm tired. I ran today and had a busy (and full!) day at work. I'm worn out.

I had a really good (though slow) run this morning. It was so nice to be back out there! I even hopped right out of bed because I was so excited! I left around 6:30 and did a 7 mile run! Pretty great for my first showing in quite a few days. Pretty slow miles, but that's OK. I did a mix of the Madison route and the Kensington route. I did 2 full Madison laps, one Kensington, and then 1 Madison 1 miler.

I brought my gym bag to work with intentions of doing hills, but I was just too worn out! Soon though.

I suspect I did too much today and I'll be feeling it tomorrow. But, heck, who needs 1/2 way!

Good Morning

Beautiful morning!!! Perfect SD weather in Wisconsin! Sunny, +50 when I went outside to run...yes, I said OUTSIDE!! I ran around the block. 6 miles. It was a beautiful day out there but it was very hard. Next Monday I'm supposed to bump it up to 8 miles so we'll have to see how that goes.

Annnnd.......I'm back!

Hello fellow Fitnatic! Yes, it is me - your long lost posting friend! I'm back! I have something to report! I exercised!

I did not run, though. I thought that might be a little too ambitious and, honestly, getting dressed took a lot of effort. I wasn't sure how much umph I had in me.

So I went to the gym and I got a really good workout. I did 20 minutes on the elliptical and then I did upper body weights. Machines mostly, but a couple of dumbbell things. And it felt good and I was really a sweaty mess!

Yay!

Good Morning

Yeah, just good morning today. Cool (+37) and some wind but no rain or snow. Still not +40 so ran on the TM again. 4 miles today plus the exercises. Had a great night's sleep and the workout was fine and, dare I say, fun? Hope you have a good day.

Good RAINY Morning

So I did 4 miles on the TM again today plus the exercises. Had a good night's sleep and it all went well this morning. I was surprised when my guy told me I was half way already! Lost in thought I guess. I was thinking about Lake Miramar and running that in my mind. +36 here this morning but raining out. Still below my threshold of +40 anyway. Wonder when I'll ever be outside again.

Glad to hear that you are feeling better!

Good FROSTY Morning

Foggy and frosty out there this morning. Temp was +25 when I got up at 6:00. So back to the TM again today. Didn't sleep well and it felt like hard work this morning but me and LeAnn Rimes did it anyway.

Good SNOWY Morning

Well, they were wrong! We've got 3 inches or so on everything and it's still coming down like mad. This is surreal. Feel like we're living in the Twilight Zone.

So, needless to say, I ran on the TM this morning. Did 4.1 miles and recalibrated the ipod to the TM again like I had it all winter. That was right on when I ran outside in SD before I screwed it up so I'm back to that and we'll see. Also did the full complement of situps and pushups which I have been neglecting.

Hope you're feeling better.

Good COLD Morning

+30 here again this morning. Where is our spring? It's lost. Have you seen it?

So this was my first bike riding, cross training day. My schedule called for an easy 4 mile ride but I thought I would do 6 ... until I got out there! Too damn cold!! I went 2 miles north and turned around and came home. So I did what I was scheduled to do but I didn't enjoy it. I'm going back to my 40 degree rule. TM tomorrow I'm sure. We're supposed to be getting up to 2 inches of snow tonight! This is nonsense.

Glad you like the song. I do, too. Sure hope you are feeling better today.

Good Morning

Only +29 here this morning but not much wind and I really wanted to run outside so I did. Put on long johns and running pants, short sleeve t shirt, long sleeve t shirt, and hoodie sweatshirt. Ran around the 6 mile block. Time wasn't so pretty (68 mins) but it's hard to run in all that stuff! The important thing is that I did it! Ran the whole way, hills and all.

I had trouble with my sensor again though. Wouldn't activate so had to go through the setup and relinking procedure. Wonder if it's going bad. Had that trouble in SD one morning, too, as you might recall! And I had recalibrated it on Saturday after the Osceola 5K but it was off a tenth of a mile per mile this morning. I know this route is 6.1 miles from garage door to garage door but when I was done it said 6.65 miles. So recalibrated it again and we'll see what happens.

Oh, and I wore my new sunglasses but had to take them off at 4 miles because they kept fogging up from body heat! Couldn't see a thing! Do you have that problem?

No, I didn't know I was running that fast on Saturday. I was surprised at my time.

Hope you're feeling better.

Taking a few days off......

Yep, you read that right. Now you know I'm sick. I am really not feeling well. So I'm just not going to push it.

I'll keep you up to date though.

I went to urgent care today and I'm working from home tomorrow.

Race Day

Well, we did it! All 4 of us ran the Osceola 5K this morning. It was cold. +30 or so with 2 inches of new snow on the ground. The streets were wet but not snowy. No problem. I ran my best 5K yet. 29.33 I think it was. Lots of people there and lots of people were surprised to see me there so that was fun.

I couldn't keep the right ear bud in my ear this morning though. Very odd. They've stayed in great the last 3 days but not today. Had a knit cap on and maybe that was the reason.

Anyway, a great morning all the way around.

Good Morning

A short run for me today because tomorrow is a race day. So, I just did 2 miles this morning and then my exercises. Tomorrow will be the 5K in Osceola and it will be cold, cold, cold!!! +34 out there now and very windy and going to be worse tomorrow they say with some sleet/snow in the mix in the morning. Ick! I hate this weather!!! But we're going to do it.

Have a good day!

Mixed Route

I had a fun run today - I did a mixed route. I ran the Madison route twice and the Kensington route once. I liked doing that - made it different and less mundane. I did the Madison part first, today, because I was hoping I would miss that 805 traffic. Still was a lot, though, so I'll just have to deal with it.

I didn't even wear long sleeves today. Just a t-shirt. It was really nice!

Good Morning

I did it again! On the TM. 4 miles. Only +29 out there this morning and windy. Not raining today though. Also did the full complement of push ups and sit ups which have been very hard the last 2 days. Then I realized why. I hadn't done them for 10+ days! Really neglected them while on vacation so back to it and it's work.

I meant to say yesterday that I like those new earbuds! Very much! Yesterday the right one fell out one time was all. And this morning they both stayed in the whole time except for when I hit the cable with my hand and pulled them both out! Smooth move. But they seem to be working great. Certainly the best I've found so thanks for advising me!

Bad news...I gained 2 pounds in California! I'm not gonna thank you for that!

Good Morning

Back home and back at it on the TM! It was +48 out there this morning but windy and raining so, once again, I fired up the old TM. Did a full 4 miles plus the full complement of 60 push ups and 60 sit ups (which I neglected terribly while on vacation). It was work! What makes me think the TM is easier than running outside? The surface is softer but the pace is relentless. So it felt like work but I got it all done.

I had a GREAT, GREAT time running with you every day! Look forward to doing it again!

Good Morning

Another week begins. We didn't run together today but we both ran. I did 4 miles on the Kensington route and then added the Felton mile to get to 4. Pretty cool out there this morning so I was glad I wore my long pants and long sleeve shirt. I warmed up, of course. This isn't Wisconsin after all!

Thanks for a great week of running...and all kinds of other things, too!

Great run!

We had a great great run today! Well, some shorter then others but you know! Our 4 mile pace (based on my mis-calibrated tool) was 9:47 per mile. Better yet, we were really consistent throughout our run. Looks like we did a really good job of maintaining pace.

Tomorrow will be fun! We'll have a great time at Miramar. Sleep well!

Good Morning

We're back home in San Diego and did the Normal Heights flat run this morning. 4 miles for some and 5 miles for others! Great morning to be out there!

I'm tired!

Whew! I'm worn. My running partner is wearing me out! Great run today. I thought the weather was just right. Took awhile for me to warm up in my long shirt.

I'm still laughing about that black vehicle (what was that????) with the hand prints. It is funny when I see stuff like that.

OK, the route today contained cranky non-wavers. What the?!? Wave, people!

Good Morning

And, again, we did a great run together! 4 miles all flat. Pretty easy for us experienced runners but fun. I wonder what we'll find in 29 palms tomorrow.

We did it!

Well, this was my most fun run in quite some time! Thanks for going with me......no matter how far we did (or did not) go! Although I wish my calibration would just be RIGHT.

I thought it was really humid today. It was wet out. But not ghost/fog wet.

Then I ate an entire bowl of ramen.

We did it!

Yes, we did! We ran 5.5 miles together outside in beautiful San Diego! I love it here! Thanks for holding back to keep up with me.

The end of my lonley days!

I didn't even have ghosts in the fog to run with today! Because it was just a nice blue sky. Really nice day here.

I saw almost all of my waving people this morning. Just missing the people I call G&P (in my mind!).

I accidentally ran too far today. I have zero idea how it happened and Jessica says I'm weird that it even COULD happen!

See you in about 15 minutes!!

Lake Miramar

I really intended to do a longer run yesterday, but I was having such stomach cramps I just did one time around. But I figured out why my stomach hurt. It was my fuel belt! I had it high on my waist - and tight. And once I thought, "maybe it is that...." and moved it to my hips, it felt a lot better. And I will remember that. Because I pretty consistently feel stomach cramps when I'm there and I pretty consistently have my fuel belt went I'm there!!! Man, sometimes it takes me time to figure things out. I'm a slow Sherlock Holmes.

Some guy practically killed himself racing me. I was not trying to keep ahead of him, but I will admit I picked up my pace a bit. As a point of pride. But he tried to take me for at least 2 miles, if not a bit more. I could tell when he was reaching his run end.....and then I just kept going! I only have maybe another 1/4 mile to do. And when I came back around, well, he did not look good!

Geesh! He must have been insulted that he couldn't pass me and was willing to die to make sure some girl did beat him!

Tomorrow will be my last lonely run.......

Another Milestone

I ran around the block this morning! The 6 mile block!! Yes, I did!! Every step of the way even up the hills. Time wasn't so great - 1.06.26 - but that's my usual pace on the TM so it was fine. I really did it! This was not on my training schedule for today but have been thinking about it for a while because that route and run has been a huge mental block for me. Really wondered if I could do it. So I just decided to try it and get it over with. And I did! It was +37 when I left the house but the sun was out and not very windy. Wore a hoodie and gloves but had to shed the gloves and drop the hood down at the one mile mark. This was the first time I've run outside since Thanksgiving Day last fall. Felt great to be out there! Hurray! Hurray!

Hot!

As I mentioned, last night was an AC night. Today was hot, too. Really hot at the office. Wish we had AC there!

But it sure made for a nice run this morning. A little warm. I had to take off my long sleeves. Saw most of my usual people out and about today. Then I did the ab part of that pilates video. I cannot even tell you how hard it is! Really really a challenge.

And that was it. More tomorrow!

Oh, I really like that movie a lot. Really touching and inspiring! And I did not realize he was one of us!

Good Morning

No, you were not the only one crying! A couple of really sad parts but what a great story! I can't imagine doing anything like that. But it certainly gives me hope that I can do a half marathon.

I wanted so badly to run outside this morning but we have 2 inches of new snow out there!!!!!! It's +31 and going to +45 this afternoon so it will melt off (hopefully!) but there it is. So did the TM again. My last 3 mile run (except for 2 5K runs coming up in April and May). Starting next week my standard daily run will be 4 miles and then 5 and 6 miles on Saturdays and Mondays. I'll start that in San Diego!