Long Day/Short Update

Morning to you! This is quick, cause I'm going to bed! Boy, was I a sweaty mess this morning. They say that the healthier you are, the earlier and more you sweat. If "they" are right, then I'm gonna live forever! I ran over to pilates today and I was already sweating like crazy. Then, wow, did Shauna work me hard. We did some really interesting things today and I can already feel the soreness! One thing we did was a calf lift where I didn't balance with my arms/hands. It was really hard to keep my balance, so I will have to practice that. One thing I noticed is that whenever she would tell me how much time was left, I would really falter. So that must break my concentration! Then I ran hills at lunch. Been a long time for that! XO!

Good Morning

My calves feel better this morning.  Not normal exactly but nothing like yesterday morning.  So I ran 2 miles on the TM.  I was having some discomfort at that point so decided that was enough for today.  I've never had this before.  Always something new and exciting in the world of running!

Did you read that story about Frank Shorter in the last Runners World?  Very sad for him and his siblings.  Wow.  And I saw an ad there for the San Diego half!  Funny that they didn't mention that we were already registered though.  Must have been an oversight.

Off to work I go....

Yay!

Well, I had the best run today that I've had in quite some time! I did my 6.43 route at a 9:46 pace! I saw some pretty great pace times on my watch, but I slowed down at the end. Anyway, I was excited! I came back and did the pilates ab video and it was so weird! It is a totally different video. No joke. Same lady. Same video name. Totally different exercises. So.....did they switch it on me? Or did I add it to my queue and grab it without knowing it wasn't the "right" one? Not sure! And that's it for the day. healthy dinner now. And I have a headache. I know it is because I drank zero caffeine after going to the office. Usually I drink some iced tea. Oh well. Too late now!

10K on Saturday

I did want to report here that I ran a 10K on Saturday for Wheels and Wings in Osceola.  I did it in 59.30 which is my best time ever for 6 miles so I was happy with that.  And I got first place in the men over 60 division (mostly because I was the only man over 60 in the race!).  Megan and Joshua ran the 5K and they both came home with first place medals in their divisions, too.

Since then, however, I've been having pain in the lower calves of both legs.  I have no idea why but I'm very stiff when I get up in the morning or after I sit for a while.  Doing church yesterday was a challenge and when I woke up this morning I could hardly walk to the bathroom.  I hope this doesn't last too long.

So, I won't be running this morning and am very disappointed about that because our weather is supposed to change overnight tonight and they are saying today will be our last summer day of the year!  It's beautiful out there today.  But I just can't do it.  Sigh.....

I did something!

Wow, I've been feeling so lazy. Actually, I'm not going to get down on myself because it's been so hot and things have been a little chaotic here in town! I ran today, but it was short. I didn't get out there until about 11 and it was hot-ish. Not like it has been, but still warm. 74 or something and sunny. And I just felt BLAH. So I did 3 miles and called it a run. I came home and did some pushpus and then I did some situps. And then I took a rest before doing my next set. And after laying on the floor for 10 minutes, I admitted I was done and took a shower!

Good Morning

I've noticed that this new and improved version doesn't save my message titles.  Does it for you?

Anyway, it's another gorgeous morning here.  Warmer today and was 56 when I left the house.  Ran the 3 miles in good time according to my trusty watch.  30.17 so a good pace.  I'm not sure the nike+ was ever quite right on the time and pace either because when I wore a watch and the nike+ the watch always gave me a better time by quite a few seconds.  Oh well.  The nike+ wouldn't activate this morning either.

I have a very busy day ahead so better get going on it.

Soooo hot!

It's hot outside, yes. But it is extra hot at my office. We're working in shifts from the office tomorrow. But I ran this am! Just over 6 miles. 6 slooooow miles. But I didn't care. It was already in the upper 70s when I left at 6:30 - and really humid. I really didn't feel like pushing it. But, apparently, I did feel like pushing it at lunch. Because I ran hills. In this weather! I don't know what I was thinking. Maybe the heat has baked my brain! I did them and it was torture! One of my coworkers has joined my gym and we were going to take a class there tonight. I was just parking when I saw he had left me a message telling me he got the last slip for the class! Lucky me! I came straight home! Well, I'd type more but I can't have this laptop on my lap anymore. Too hot!

I give up

To hell with the nike+.  It wouldn't activate again this morning and this is the new sensor I just bought.  Third time I've had trouble with it so I'm just giving up on it.  Not worth the frustration.  I keep my own spreadsheet as you know and will just rely on myself to keep track of me!  I didn't have a watch on me this morning though so have no idea what my time was but it wasn't very good I'm sure.  Felt slow today and know I was.  But I did the Fitnatics run and it's another beautiful morning here.

Hope you have a good day!

Hot!

Well, I said in my comment but it bears repeating! It's weird weather! Rained this morning until maybe 10 am and then cleared up and now it has to be 90 out! And it's humid! I had pilates this morning and it was so good. And I'm so glad I went because I'm so work crabby lately. It got me out of a crabby mood. It was hard and we did a lot of back stuff. I didn't run there, due to the rain. And I didn't run at lunch due to the fact that I went out side for hills and said, "Oh, hell no!" It was that hot! Um......where's my post button now????

Good Morning

Another beautiful morning but cold!  Only 48 when I left the house so I was in running pants and a long sleeve shirt for the first time.  The times they are a changin'.....Did the fitnatics run this morning.  Went fine but I was disappointed in my time.  I thought I was running faster than ever but apparently I was not.  Oh well I got it done.  Now off to work.

6 mile morning

I ran around the 6 mile block here this morning.  Just a gorgeous, gorgeous morning, too!  Perfect.  Had to walk a little after mile 4 but my pace was still 10:15 overall so I'm happy with that.  You take most of a week off though and you can feel it.  There's still some congestion in my lungs so I did a little coughing along the way, too, but I just kept chugging along.  I'll probably come in last in the 10K next Saturday but I'm going to do it anyway.

How do you like the new look here?  Always something new.

BTW, how is the Garmin thing working out?

I ran!

And nobody was chasing me! I didn't sleep very well last night but it wasn't because of coughing. Have no idea why exactly but I was determined to get out there and do something this morning and I did. 3 miles. No big coughing fits before, during, or after so HURRAY for that! I turned the corner on this thing Thursday night I think and I'm on the upswing now. I plan to be in full gear on Monday morning! That 10K in Osceola is a week from today so I need to get going.

Yay Friday!

Whew, loooong week. For no particular reason. But I'm excited because I have a date with my (Stryker days) pal Brian tonight. We're getting dinner. And Bart comes back from Florida tonight!

I slept in till 5:18 this am. I could have slept even later, but my coffee was made and I hate to waste the elixir of the gods. So I got up and ran 6.45 sloooow miles. I knew it would be slow when I left - because I'm tired! So that's OK with me.

Off to dinner. Sure hope you're feeling better!

Well.....

I'm feeling better! And not just physically. I have been so crabby and I don't know if it is sickness induced crank or post-vacation induced crank. It could be either, more probable that it's post-vacation related. I really don't want to be in SD and I really don't want to be at work! I want to be at home. With you. But, in my dream world, you are not sick. So get on that!

I had an ok start to my day. I ran 3 miles this am and just focused on running as fast as I could. Then I did a 10 minutes ab video. It was a new one for me and the exercises were very basic, but I really really liked the instructor on the video.

I had my second group pilates session tonight. It was way harder than last week. Which was great, last week was easy. We had fun. I ran there tonight, which I probably won't do again until next summer. On the upside, I saw the beautiful sunset. Loved it. But it was full dark by the time we were done. And I do not need to trip or get hit by a car!

Feel better, my friend!

A new day!

And I felt way better! I went to bed so early last night and slept till 6:30. Then I took it easy and ran cause I felt like I was good enough to do it. And I had a really great run. I did my 6.5ish route and my pace was about 10 minute/mile. I have downloaded some new (180 bpm) music that I'll send you. I don't know how much of it you will like, but you can give it a try!

Having music with a fast beat really helps me keep on pace. I will spend more time this weekend trying to find a tool that will up the bpm of my current music.

I'm tired and going to bed now!

Bah

So I think I'm sick too! I'm not sure. I didn't sleep last night and I sure had a difficult time getting up this am and I just felt....weird. Even my coffee wasn't making me happy. And I drove to pilates - it's like an inch from my house, and I drove! And it was really really hard. Now, in my defense, she is making it really hard. On purpose! She told me so! But I just really wasn't feeling well.

So I came home from work this afternoon. Course, I worked from home! But it was on my couch. And then I am going to take it easy in the am. I have a couple of phone meetings and I'm going to do them from here and go to the office in the afternoon.

It's nice to be the boss and be able to do that!

Seriously, Monday? Seriously???

And today I got stung by a bee. While running! While minding my own dang business! I was just at the end of the run, doing that little Kensington hill before turning onto Monroe by the school. And, bam, stung! But worry not. It did not slow me down!

Otherwise I had a great run. It's been pretty humid here although it cooled down some today and was better overall. But the air sure was wet out!

That's it for today. I weighed a lot more today. And I won't lie. I had an ice cream sundae for dinner Saturday....and pizza slices for dessert!

Good Morning

I guess I should say GREAT morning! Just another perfect day here. I'm getting use to this.

I almost didn't run this morning because I'm feeling like maybe I'm getting this head cold everybody else around here has had but went anyway. Did 4.04 miles and pace was 10.07 so I couldn't have been feeling too bad! And my leg felt almost normal. Just a little twinge here and there but really felt very good. So the PT and exercises must be helping. Hurray! I didn't go around the block today but just 2 miles miles north and back.

Nike+ sensor didn't want to activate this morning though. Grrr.... But it finally did and worked fine.

Now we're going to make beet pickles!

Day ON!

As opposed to my day off yesterday. I'll tell you, it was hot for running. How hot, I'm really not sure. But the entire way I was thinking, "Dang! Maybe I'll cut this short!" I didn't though.

I ran 6.43 miles this am. I think about a 10 minute pace, but I can't remember! I'll have to check. Good but hot run.

I had this brilliant idea on my run, related to keeping pace. What if there was a wristwatch that you could set to your desired pace and it gave a vibration or "beat" that you could feel each time your foot should be hitting the ground. Smart, huh? I had big ideas of getting rich! Well, someone else thought it was a good idea because it's been invented........

Then we spent the day at the horse track! Bart's company had their picnic there. And it was fun. That's only the 2nd time I've been, but I like it. I did not win and lost 18 bucks!

Good Morning

A day of rest is good! Hope you enjoyed it.

I ran around the block this morning. 4.07 miles. Leg felt better than yesterday so that was ok but I was just tired this morning. The last mile really felt like work. But I did it. Walked some though. I saw those dogs just laying in their driveway. They were looking at me but never moved a muscle and didn't even stand up to bark. So what's happened to them? Even if they were tied up I would have expected them to stand up and bark. Hmmm....Mom thinks maybe they've been to obedience school. But 2 drivers scared the liver out of me this morning! One especially. If I had had a rock in my hand I would have thrown it at him. What a jerk.

Another gorgeous, perfect morning here. We need some rain but I'm enjoying these beautiful days, too. Gotta mow today and then going to a retirement party for the pastor in Milltown.

Have a good day! We sure had fun a week ago today, didn't we? Thanks again for coming, Julie. That meant so much to me that you would come.

Good Morning

Well, not so good I guess. The leg really bothered me this morning. Did the 3 miler but I could feel it the whole way today. Yesterday it kind of went away after a mile or so. Have another PT appointment with afternoon with a difference therapist so will be eager to see what she has to say. I'm thinking, though, that I might takes some days off here and give it a rest. However, I have done that a couple times this summer to no avail so not sure that will help either. I am registered for the Wheels and Wings 10K on Sept 10th so want to be able to do that. (Megan and Josh are running the 5K and Mom is walking the 5K)

Old Stuff/New Stuff

I'm wearing down this week! I really considered sleeping in today, but got myself organized as usual last night. Then I got up and thought, "Wow, running sounds HARD!" So I went to the gym! And guess what I did? I ran! I did two miles on the treadmill and then I did the famous Stairway to Hell for 15 or 20 minutes....15 I think. It was soooo long ago, how can I remember? And then I lifted weights. I really am weak in the upper body and want to fix that! And I can fix that!

The new thing I did today was a pilates group class. We did it tonight after work and it was me and two other women. It was good and I'll for sure give it another try. It's different and, of course, not the same as one on one. It's also cheaper!

Good Morning

PT report first. She found the "spot" for sure! Ouch. Showed me 3 new stretches to do and did the ultrasound treatment on the spot. Didn't seem any better while running this morning but time will tell. Have another appointment tomorrow and then 2 next week on Tuesday and Thursday.

Did the 3 miler again today on yet another perfect, gorgeous morning. How I wish this weather could last!

Very unhappy with my weight situation here. Scale says I have put on 3 lbs over the last week! I know the key is to stop eating but....

Busy!

I had a busy day and I am ready for bed! This is a short update tonight.

I had a really good night of sleep and woke up on the right side of the bed this morning. Whew! I hate being crabby.

I ran about 6.5 miles this am. I was hitting about a ten minute pace. I know what you mean about feeling like you're running faster and then getting that surprise that, dang, I'm not! But we're both doing well and you are working through an injury. We're good!

Then I came home, fiddled with ab videos, ran out of time to do one!

I had big exercise at lunch. I ran hills and then decided to run to my bank. That turned out to be 1.4 miles round trip.

Tired!

Good Morning

What a gorgeous morning here! Perfect. I ran the Fitantics 5K route this morning. That's becoming my routine on days I have to go to work I guess. All the time I have. Thought I was running faster today but I guess not. Pace was 10.11. Right thigh and leg bothered me some. First PT appointment this afternoon so we'll see if it helps. I've not been taking ibuprofen or aleve the last few days and didn't today either. I hope she doesn't tell me to stop running because I don't want to do that. Have a good day!

I hope you're sitting down!

Cause I actually DID something today! Yes, tis true! I did stuff!

First, I will tell you, I was deeply uninterested in getting up when my alarm went off. And, wow, have I managed to crank my alarm waaaay up. I bet my neighbors can hear it! Gotta get that worked out.

I had a pilates morning. It was great. Lots of ab stuff today and arm stuff that was super hard. I did not run there, though. I just didn't feel like it. That happens, I guess. I decided to allow myself to ease back into it.

The I went to the gym tonight. I really didn't want to go. But, sigh, I did. Did the Stairway to Hell for 25 minutes and called it a night.

Oh, also, I might be crabby.

Hey, I meant to ask you if you read the RW article about the women running the marathon in prison. I loved that article!

Miracles to happen: I weighed less this am then I did on Friday.

Good Morning

Rain showers and very windy here this morning so I did 3 miles on the TM. Could feel it in my right leg but just kept going. The leg got better the farther I went so we'll see how it feels the rest of the day. Also did my exercises so the day is off to a good start. Supposed to be 90 here this afternoon!

Good Morning

What a gorgeous morning! 4 miles around the block with a pace of 10.08 so I'm very pleased with that. And just another perfect morning to be out there.

And when I got home, you were up and at it! So glad you're here!

Big Day!

As you now know, I've had a big surprise brewing! And here I am posting my blog update from YOUR living room! Pretty fun! I am so glad to be here!

I worked from home this morning so I slept in till 6 (I was going to sleep in till 6:30, but I was too excited and got up waaaaay before my alarm) and then ran over to pilates for an appointment at 8 am. It was really good. It was with Allison today because Shauna is in Vegas doing something for her "real" job. But Allison and I had a good session and she said she is noticing that I'm a lot more even, which was cool. I tend to favor my right, so it is good to know that's evening out.

I posted a couple of links for you in my comment on my blog post from yesterday. You can borrow it and give it a try if you want!

Good Morning

I took an Aleve as soon as I woke up this morning and had my best pace time in weeks. 10.02 per mile! I've been anywhere from 10.25-10.55 for a long time and have been trying to get back down to 10. Almost there today....with Aleve! I did the Fitnatics 5K route. I could feel my muscle a little but, obviously, not so bad.

I called the clinic yesterday and Dr. Mattson agreed to order PT for me so I expect a call from them today. I haven't got time to go today though so probably won't start until Monday. I think I just need some ultrasound treatments there.

I'm taking today off because I'm having a funeral on Monday so have to work then. Have bills to pay, garden stuff to look at and deal with (I hope), and a lawn to mow.

Garmin Review: Day 1

Mad props. That could be my two word review. I'm in love.

The Garmin is super easy to use I was able to use their quick start guide and get up and running with a minimum of effort. Found the satellites and linked really quickly - maybe 30 seconds. And I felt like the pace was quite accurate. I averaged about 9:40/mile and my pace rate seemed reasonable when I checked. Unlike the NikeGPS, I was never at a 5 minute pace, nor a 20 minute pace! So, yeah, I was very impressed!

And I had a good run overall. Per my Garmin, that distance really is 6:41. I would run the same distance and be anywhere between 6:08 - 6:45 before. And I really loved my Nike+, it served me so well for a long time! But I'm super wowed right now.

I do regret not getting a refurbished unit to save money. But that's not too late to fix, for sure.

I did the pilates ab video when I got home.

I ate healthy all day - and Bart made a delicious dinner for me tonight!

Good Morning

The new sensor seemed to work fine this morning. I did a short 2 mile run so I could calibrate it because I know exactly where the 1 mile mark is on the route. So I did that. The default calibration said I ran 2.3 miles so it's way off from my pace. Have it calibrated correctly now so we'll see over the next few days how it goes. But my right leg really bothered me this morning. Grrrr.... I also did my push ups and sit ups when I got home.

I am so frustrated by the unreliability of the nike+ and their website and even on the iPod. What's on my iPod is not the same as on the website and you would think those two would coordinate and be the same. But they're not. So I just rely on my own little Excel spreadsheet to know where I'm at and what I've done. I am reliable!

Sleep

Apparently I need some! Because I totally overslept today. By an entire hour! I didn't wake up until 6 am! I guess I need to turn my alarm clock up. Or sleep more.........

I decided to do a quick run this am - 3 miles. I wasn't going to do anything but I realized I really did have time to do something.

It is so funny that you mentioned the 180 bpm to me because Angie also mentioned that (via her PT) and I just read about it in Runners World. Wait. Did you mention that to me? I'm having brain problems. I thought you did but now I question. Anyway, I downloaded some music that is 180 and ran to that and I THINK it had a big impact on my pace. I don't know for sure, but it seemed like it.

Then I did pushpus and abs. And I ran hills at lunch.

And I had a GIANT bowl of ramen for dinner. We had dinner with Julie and Morgan, so that was fun. A new experience for them!

Dead Sensor

Yes, you read that right. It wouldn't activate this morning at all. This is still the old sensor which I put back in the other day and it's been working fine. So maybe it really is dead now. I will put the new one in tonight and try to link it. So tomorrow's run will only be 2 miles because I know exactly where the mile marker is and I'll have to calibrate the news sensor.

I did run 3 miles this morning and just kept track of it on my own spreadsheet like I always do. Another gorgeous morning here. Just perfect weather we've been having the last few days. Big thunder and lightning storm last night about 9 pm. 7/10's inch of rain only but it really dropped the humidity so this morning is wonderful. I wish it could be like this all the time. Oh wait, then I'd be living in San Diego!

Back at it!

Thank goodness Ang sent me a text at 4:56 am (my time) cause I sure didn't hear my alarm going off! But I did hear my Wonder Twin being happy I'm home! Much better way to wake up than an alarm.

As you know, I didn't sleep well last night. But, naturally, I was crazy deep sleeping when 5 am rolled around! That's just the way it goes! I sure am feeling it tonight, though. I'm really tired and plan on hitting the sack in the very near future.

Just like I had a hard time waking up, I had a hard time with pilates today! Shauna told me that she had something planned that would allow us to tone it down to more "intermediate" levels, if needed. Thus confirming my belief that she is pushing me to the next level.

We had fun today but, wow, was it challenging. Even after just a week I could really tell a difference. And, funny, tonight I really feel it in my ankles! We work on strengthening them but that's a very new thing for me. So it makes sense, I guess, that the muscles might not be as strong and lose what they have gained more rapidly.

And I did run to and from today, although it was hard to talk myself into doing it. I did hills at lunch, too. Mostly to get out of the office. I'm committed to taking lunch.

Now, let me tell you something nuts. Today? My Nike+ died!! I can't believe it! But Bart gave that to me 2 Christmases ago, so I guess it is gonna happen. I have another pod or bud around here that I will try, but I am pretty sure I saw something that said it couldn't connect to the receiver. Which makes it seem like the part that connects to the iPod is what died.

Now on to the miracle. It seems like I only gained about 3.5 pounds on this trip. How that is possible, given what I ate (and how much!), I cannot even comprehend. I'm befuddled.

Good Morning

What a perfect, gorgeous morning we have here. I ran the Fitnatics 5K. On the wrong side of the road! Felt weird kind of. Don't think it made any difference on the first day and didn't expect it to. I have this pulled muscle in my right groin area and can't seem to get over it. Hate to go to the Doc just for that but I think some PT would be good for it and don't think I can just go to PT. Might call today and find out. I want to work on my speed some but just can't do it until I get this muscle back in shape.

Day Off

Total day off - I went to bed and realized I didn't tell you about my day! Well, my day was weird, odd, and lazy!

As you know, I slept for about 12 hours on Sunday night. And it was a hard sleep with no waking up. I intended to go for a run yesterday and I even suited up and went outside. But I ran about 10 steps and just said to myself, "I'm NOT doing this." And I didn't!

I felt so weird all day - like I was still moving! It wasn't until the afternoon that the rolling stopped. I didn't feel sick, just like I was still on the boat, I guess. And I was very, very tired. I didn't sleep well at all on the cruise, to be honest. So I think that had a big wearing down impact on me.

And then I had such a hard time getting to sleep last night! And I was tired all day, so I was very surprised. I went to bed at 8 and read and then put the lights out around 9. But I bet it was 11:30 before I fell asleep. So I'm tired again this morning! But I suppose 12 hours of sleep messed me up!

Well, back at it today, anyway. Pilates this morning and I will make sure to run hills this afternoon.

I had a healthy day of eating all day yesterday. Probably too much, but still good for me stuff. So that's good!

I'll report back on my am!

Other Things

I'm going to try and respond here to all the responses you made last night! You didn't have to respond to everything!

My Doc wants to be checking my cholesterol, blood sugar, PSA, etc. twice a year now. They have all been excellent the last few times but he just thinks we should look at them twice a year instead of once a year. Actually, he just wants to drum up business and this is the way they do it. I haven't gotten a report yet but suppose I will get a letter in the mail one day this week.

Well, that hill you run up at work there is quite a hill and I think I would walk back down it, too.

Ever heard of Chi Running? Gary's PT guy is telling him that's what he needs to do if he wants to run again. Google it. I did and have watched some videos on utube about it. Seems to me like it's mostly being aware of your posture more than anything. I guess I don't really understand it yet though.

The iPod and nike+ sensor worked fine Saturday morning and this morning. However, this morning iTunes "couldn't connect to nike+ server" to send the workout so I had to send it manually. Have no clue what that's about. So, it goes on.

I have been having a little problem in my right leg for a while. Feel like there is a pulled muscle in there above the knee. This morning Angie suggested that maybe it's from always running against the traffic. Said her PT lady advised her to run with the traffic half way so that the right leg isn't always on the "high" side. You know, roads are built to slope from the center to the side so rain will run off. Not much but just enough. And if you're always running the same way (either with or against traffic) one leg or the other is always on the high side of the slope. Makes some sense to me so tomorrow I run with traffic! Not much traffic out here but I'm going to try it and see.

I think that's all. At least it's all I can remember!

Good Morning

What a gorgeous morning we have here. Sunny, light breeze, 72 when I left the house. I ran around the 4 mile block this morning. No dogs again. Wonder if they've gotten rid of them? I carried my horn but didn't have to use it. Shucks. I wanted to blast them! Anyway, the run went fine and I ran the whole way without walking a step. Even up the hills. Then I did my routine of push ups and sit ups. I was good and sweaty when I was done and Mom wouldn't give me a hug! Imagine that!

I have worked up a training plan now for the Ashland half Angie and I are going to run on October 15th so I'm starting that plan today. Nothing too serious but it helps me keep on track and remember that there is a goal.

I'm Back!

Boy did I miss you! I will tell you, I had NO partners in exercise crime on this trip! Oh well!

So, where to start? Not on the scale! I'm giving myself a week off. I ate dessert every night. It was a delicious, delicious vacation. My favorite was the chocolate melting cake. It was cooked just enough to form a crust and the inside was molten chocolate. Served with vanilla ice cream. AMAZING.

But I did manage to run! And I was pretty proud of myself, truth be told. Because it would have been very easy to blow it off.

The first day I ran on the outside track, and that was really fun. Bart said it was 'another notch in my running belt' to run outside in the middle of the ocean. Yep! I only did the track that one day because the distance was a tenth of a mile so I had to go around a million times to get anywhere!

The gym was very nice, with treadmills facing windows so I could see outside. And it had a lot of different cardio equipment and many weight lifting machines as well as free weights. It was always pretty busy when I went in. That was good to see!

I ran all but two days and I just did 3 miles each day. Oh, not true! One day I did 2 because the pitch of the ship made me run uphill! I figured 2 was enough! And then one day I ran just shy of 4.

I also lifted weights - just arms.

They didn't have pilates, as it turned out. We asked and they said they canceled them. But they did have other classes (I didn't take them). They had yoga and spinning and boot camp. Three people signed up for the boot camp classes but all crossed their names off. I can only imagine it was the 8 am start time!!

I'll have a San Diego based report for you tomorrow, I promise!

Good Morning

I'm back at it this morning and all seemed to work just fine with the iPod and nike+ and all. I ran a 4 miler this morning and ran the whole thing without stopping, pausing, or walking. I've gotten into the habit of walking a little at the half way points but am trying to break it at least on these shorter runs of 4 miles and under. Nice morning for a run. 62, cloudy, and a little breeze. Perfect.

I miss you!

Day Off

I just turned the alarm off this morning and slept another hour! Very tired. So...nothing to report.

It worked today

So I don't know what to think. iPod and nike+ both worked fine this morning. I haven't tried to send the run to the website yet so we'll have to see about that. Just a very short 2 miles this morning because I have to get to the Clinic and give blood for lab work. And I'm thirsty and hungry!

This is so frustrating!

The new nike+ sensor arrived yesterday so I put it in the shoe and it took forever to link up. It finally did and it tested out fine. So, I thought I would give the old one another try and, sure enough, that one linked up, too, and seemed to work fine. So I left the old one in the shoe and ran with it this morning. It all worked just fine and recorded the run, etc. But, when I plugged the iPod into the computer, it didn't send the workout to the website. It said that it did but it didn't. So, I don't think the problem is with the sensor. I think the problem is with the last update to the iPod that Apple so graciously provided me. I now have several workouts on the iPod but not on the website and no way to get them there because the iPod says they have already been sent. I'm glad I keep my own little spreadsheet!!

Did the Fitnatics 5K run again today. Cool morning here. 52 when I left the house and much of the route still in the shade so I was glad to get out into some sun when I did. Gorgeous morning though.

Technology!!!

Can't live with it. Can't live without it. This morning my iPod was totally dead! The battery icon came on with a thin red line on the extreme left side of it. No juice. It's charging now and I'm wondering if I forgot to turn off the music yesterday morning. Could be. We'll see tonight when I get home if it works or not.

So, that frustrated me this morning and I only had time to run 2 miles but I did that. Plus the exercises.

Hope you're having fun and I know that you are!

Holding Down the Fort

I'll do my best to hold down the fort while you're gone. (Wonder where that expression came from?) Anyway, I'm running the Fitnatics 5K route these days just to keep it simple. Pretty soon I'll have to up the mileage again to get ready for the Half in Ashland but, for now, short and simple is my goal. Christ Schmidt lapped me this morning! That show off!

And I'm off!

Well, this is it! My final post - maybe. If I can post on the ship, I will. I am not bringing my computer though. Only my iPad. Know what that means? NO WORK!!! My out of office notification says, "I'm probably on a three deck water slide in the middle of the ocean. I won't be getting back to you." HA!

I got up so early this morning - and that's after going to bed so late. But I ran three miles. I was going to take today off, but I'm making up for Friday.

Bart's here! Love you!

Too Hard!

Well, I totally didn't have fun at pilates today! It was too hard! I've got it figured out. She's moving me to another level. Well, that's what I think anyway. But it is not fun when I'm not doing things right!

I ran there and back and I was sure worn out from that.

That's it! Time for the cruise!

Love you and I'll miss you!

Story for you!

Morning! I was in bed last night when I remembered, "Oh! I meant to tell him that!"

I have a dress that I ordered quite some time ago from an online store. Here is a pic:

It was actually sold out and I was just waiting waiting waiting and hoping it would come back into stock (a return) and, magically, it did. I got the restock email and, believe you me, I pounced! POUNCED!

But my adored dress that was rejected by someone else did not come in perfect condition. There was an issue with the zipper. Basically it didn't want to make the zipping transition from the skirt to the bodice (it's an invisible zipper, on the inside of the dress, not the outside). If it was off, I could force it. But on? No way. And I've even brought that thing to work and made other people try to zip it while it was on! Yeah, I know. No shame. Anyway! I took it to a dry cleaner Wednesday to have the zipper replaced. The helper made me try it on. I had to firmly tell her that, NO, it was NOT too small. It was fitted! Total difference!

Thursday rolls around and some guy with a heavy accent calls to tell me to come pick up the dress. He's decided he is not doing the work! "If I fix zipper, it work 2 times. Then break again. Dress does not fit, that why it won't zip." So I, very irritated, told him I'd come get it and have someone else replace the zipper!

Side note: When I told Bart the zipper fixer told me I was clearly too fat for the dress he said, "That's not what he told you. He just said the dress was too small for you." Which made me laugh!

When they were fixing the zipper I was to pick the dress up Friday after 5 pm. So I went over around 3:30 and, for heaven sake, they could not find the damn thing anywhere. Let me tell you, panic ensued in the back. Finally the "this dress is too small for you!" culprit came in and looks at me like I'm a dolt and says (with a shrug), "I decide to replace zipper."

#$&!*#@

I left a giant crisis at work (shocker!) to do this and ended up having to go back. Now, when I was there to find the dress MIA the searcher and the shrugger both reminded me that this would NOT work and I was going to be sad.

Well, guess what? Totally works. It WAS the zipper. I can zip it by myself, easy as pie, no help required.

HA!

Total Laze!

I got up at 5 this am, got suited up and outside. And said to myself, "No. Not today." And I didn't!

I had a big plan that I would go to work early and leave early. But only the first half of that happened. Oh well!

Tomorrow is my last day here! We leave Sunday am - we are going to Alpine to pick up a carload and then we'll head up to Long Beach around 9:30 am.

I don't think I'll have connectivity on the ship, but you never know! If I do, you know I'll check in!

Dead Sensor

You heard that right. It wouldn't activate this morning at all. Tried several times including complete shut off and restart. Also tried to re-link and it said that it did that but it still wouldn't activate. So.....I spent 15 minutes fiddling around with that and only had time for a 2 miler then. And I didn't have my watch of course so I don't know my time. Think it was my usual though. Push ups and sit ups went better this morning. Not sure if it's because I did a shorter run today or I'm getting my form back. Hope it's the latter. Guess I'll order a new sensor. Hope you have a good day.

Hard Stuff!

I had such a good morning and then went to work and got totally crabby! We finally have AC there but people still had doors and windows open and it will break the units. So if the AC is on, they have to be closed. Plain and simple. And our landlord hates us so I think he would be thrilled to say, "No more AC for you! You knew the rules. You defied the rules. You broke the AC." But I've done my duty and now I give up.

But! I had such a great time at pilates this morning. It was SO hard. She made me do things that were really, really challenging. They were arm exercises and I really could not do them...well, I won't say not well. But just not with a lot of movement. I had to do tiny moves so I could do them right. But the really neat thing will be to do them again in a couple of weeks and see how much I've improved.

Which happened with an exercise today, actually. Two, I should say. She had me do one that we did last week and I really struggled with. And today I did so much better! And another that we did very early on and was very challenging. And, same thing. I could tell an amazing improvement. Really neat!

My ship has pilates at the gym, so I plan on checking that out!

I ran to and from my appointment. So about 3 miles. And then I did hills at lunch. Today I even ran down. Usually I just walk. It was hot out, but not too bad.

Good Morning

Another perfect morning here. 62 when I left the house and low humidity. If every day was like this....I'd be in SD! I ran the 3 mile route again today and the my exercises. I really didn't feel like doing any of it today (like you yesterday) but I just slogged through it and got it done. Listened to Ronda Vincent and I haven't taken her with me all summer so that was good.

Just Running

I had another late night last night! Not late working, but late going to bed. So, naturally, I was tired this morning. But I got up even before my alarm went off because I had to pee sooooo much!

I ran this am and it was just OK. I just felt slow and sluggish. My time was not great, but not terrible. And, frankly, I only ran because I made myself. Just one of those days. It happens!

Sounds like somebody needs an awesome vacation! That would be ME!

On the Road Again

I got back to it this morning by running the Fitantics 5K and I ran the whole 3 miles without pausing or stopping which is going to be my goal for the rest of this week. Then I did the push ups and sit ups for the first time in more than a week and....wow....you would think I had never done them before! Hard work! So I'm getting back into my normal routine. Vacations are great but it's also nice to get back to normal.

It was a gorgeous morning out there today. About 60 when I left the house and humidity is way down from where it's been lately so just beautiful. And no rain this morning!

Little Things

I did a bunch of little things today. I had pilates, which was great! But I didn't run over. I just didn't have it in me. So I drove. Then I ran hills at lunch. It's been a while and I could sure tell! And then I finished my day by running 1.5 miles at the gym. It was just too hot to do it outside and I was too uninterested in running any further!

During my last pilates session, Allison was my teacher. And Shauna told me this morning that Allison made a note on this really hard thing she made me do. "Nailed it!" So cool!

Gym

Boy, I didn't want to get up today. I could have slept in, that's for sure! But get up I did....although it was a bit later than usual. Around 5:20. But I was still out of the house on time and was able to go to the gym this am.

I did 40 minutes on The Stairway to Hell again. And then weightlifting things again. Same stuff I did last week. But I like going. I feel like it is branching me out!

My eating was not as great today. I've not been eating veggies yesterday and today. I don't know why. Well, tonight I just plain didn't feel like cooking. And I was not prepared for the week because I had to slack about yesterday! Geese!

I ran myself sick!

Yep, I did. All my fault. I absolutely should know better. SIGH! I went to Miramar today and did ten miles. The first round was fine. Great, actually! And then I started getting hot. And dehydrated.

And dehydration is actually why I don't feel good, I'm positive of it. I've had plenty of water and food since I've been back, but I just need a good night sleep to shake this headache and get back to "normal". Whatever that is for me!

I did it!

Yes, I did! I ran the River City Ramble Half Marathon in Red Wing, MN today. It was very hot and humid and I walked as much as I ran in the last 3 miles but I got it done. 2.37.31 so my time was slower than Grandma's Half in June but that is due entirely to the weather today. It was fun! Now tonight I am so tired I can hardly believe it. I will sleep like a rock tonight. And I will take a few days off from running to recover.

Good Luck!!!

Quick Update

It is late and I just got home and I'm going to eat, go to bed, and go back to work at 7 am! OY! Well, this is what I signed up for, no question.

But I had an amazing day today. First, I did go to the gym this morning! It worked great! I left home at 6:30 and was there by 6:42. It was totally empty. At first I was worried it was closed! I did 40 minutes on The Stairway to Hell and then I did weights. And I could get on everything I wanted right away and even did some new things that I usually don't bother trying to do because the area is so busy. So that was very cool.

Then I was under 130 today! 129.6. You know how weight goes. I'll be over 130 tomorrow. But it was nice to see it on the scale, if only for a day!

A banana saved me from crazy snacking tonight. I had to stop at Vons after work and was sooo hungry. But if I start eating crackers in my car, I'll just eat them all. So I got a banana and ate it and it worked! I'm going to eat - for real - now. And, yes, my for real dinner consists of crackers. Hey, they're whole wheat!

6r

Whew! Long day! Not so much in hours. But just one of those days I thought would NEVER end. Ever. But it did! Now I'm home and cooking chicken, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. All on my little Forman grill. And my potatoes are purple all the way through!

I had a really good run today. 6.4 something miles, so says my trusty tool. And my pace was 10.01. Geesh! Over ten by that much!

I'm thinking I might try going to the gym in the AM tomorrow. Not sure that will happen. Just a thought!

Good Morning

Very, very humid here and getting hot but I did a 3 mile run outside. Didn't leave the motel until 8:30. Mass of sweat when I came back. It had been raining during the night and again this morning so lots of humidity out there. Good run though.

Pilates on no sleep

Yep, today was another pilates day. It went well, but I was not sure because I did not sleep at all! It wasn't even the kind of night where I know I did sleep, but I just feel like I didn't. If that makes any sense at all.

Anyway, I imagine I'll sleep well tonight. Not much else to say here. Work was so odd because our internet was down and we all worked the first half of the day at home!

Running

I had the best run I've hand in some time this morning. And I didn't even want to do it! I really had to force myself off the couch. Beautiful day and absolutely no reason not do do it. I just wasn't so interested! Sure am glad I did go though.

Good weather, if I was searching for something to complain about I'd say it was just a tiny bit humid. But I'm not. So I won't. Only one other runner out there. But lots of walkers. And, of course, lots of dogs!

I did 6.5ish miles today and I was under ten minutes per mile! Well....so says my imperfect tracking device! But today I'll take it!

Good Morning

I slept until 7:00 but did get out for a 4 miler this morning. Beautiful morning here. I'm going to take it easy now the rest of the week. Will do a short run Wednesday morning in Mt. Vernon but that will be it until Saturday.

Nice Day

It's actually pretty warmish out today. Great day for Comic Con!! We're going to park at Bart's work and walk over to the convention center, so that's maybe a mile each way.

I ran over to my pilates appointment today. So about a 3 mile run, round trip. Actually a little shorter than that I think. And another really good session with Shauna today. Again very challenging and I was a sweaty mess when were were done! It was cool because I was doing something today and she said, "I wish I could take a picture of you right now because that is sooo perfect and I would use it in a brochure!"

My weight was really down today. Just about 1.5 pounds over my original goal of 130. I had dreams of getting to 125 for the cruise, but I'm not going to torture myself to get there. It is just a personal thing anyway - I'm the only one who cares!

We'll have a million awesome pictures for you to see from the show! Hope you have a great one and stay dry!

Lazy Day

Well, I did not weigh 5 pounds more this morning! Glad I got that figured out! But I did have a short, lazy run this morning. In fact, I didn't even want to do it. Seems a pretty typical statement from me on Fridays. But, you know, I got up at 5. OK....slept in till 5:18. But, still. I'm not going to waste that. My giving up of sleep must be respected!

So I ran 3 miles. And I ran them slow. But I did it. And I was glad I did. I did the pilates 10 minute ab video when I got back.

And that's it!

Good Morning

Well....I did run to the church but not sure if "run" is the right word. Very slow time because I walked more than I've ever walked during a run before. Ate my breakfast too close to leaving the house. Big mistake. Should have eaten at least an hour before or just not eaten at all. Then my feet felt so hot by the last couple of miles I almost stopped to take my socks off! Never had that happen before. I wore those dark blue socks I bought out there at RRS so will go back to those white cotton ones you gave me for Christmas a couple years ago. And I didn't do a full 10 miles because I just didn't add the loop through the Dresser Industrial Park that makes it 10. I just couldn't do it. 8.7 miles. Pace was 11.10. Worse than the 1/2 marathon pace. And when I got home and got on the scale I weighed exactly what I weighed on Saturday morning!!! How can that be? So, not a very satisfying run at all.

Hope you're having a better day.

Weird Day

I've had such a weird day. I got home late last night (yeah, again! July is almost over!!) so I went to bed late. And it is hard to wake up! This schedule is wearing on me.

But I did wake up. Had pilates this am. I did run over there although I seriously considered driving. I had to run FAST because I was short on time! And I passed this hard bodied woman who was running in underwear! Then I had my session and ran home.

And at lunch I did some hills. Cause I'm CRAZY for em! It's true. I am. I hate riding my bike up them, though. Go figure!

But my day started weird because I got on the scale and I weighed 5 pounds more than yesterday. 5 ENTIRE POUNDS. Thankfully I figured out that my scale was set 5 pounds high somehow! So I had to pull the battery out to reset it.

Then, tonight, I wanted to make a blueberry vinaigrette for my salad. Forgot the blueberries at work. OK, I thought, I'll just do a plain vinaigrette. The salad I just got was full of rust. GRRRR. Then I recalled the salad in my fridge! Oh....so sad. So slimy. So now I'm going to eat the exact same thing I've had for every dinner and two lunches all week. And, let me tell you, I'M OVER IT.

Pilates - not as bad as it sounds!

Really! I mean it! Well, mostly.....it's hard! No joke. I really feel like my body is changing though. And my weight is finally going down. Part of that is simply due to the fact that I'm doing something different. I think that makes a big difference. And not just the pilates. I've been doing some different things when I go to the gym, as you know. So I'm helping myself. And, honestly, I'm eating better. The good news is that I'm feeling better - which seems to happen when I'm eating more fruits and veggies and fewer cupcakes. Go figure!

I had a really good run today! How far? Who the heck knows! But it was over 6 miles and I felt really fast and strong. Didn't see too many of my friends, though. That's odd since it was so nice out this am. Anyway, it was a good run. It might have been under ten minutes per mile. But, who knows!

I a combo of pushups, situps (crunches, actually), and the plank when I got home. 3 sets. Almost stopped at 2, but I did my planned 3.

We've been having a lot of lunches brought in this month because work is so busy. And I've done well at eating the healthy stuff and eating an appropriate quantity. Both are difficult for me! Anyway, I knew we would be having some chicken, bread sticks, and pizza so I brought my own veggies and whole grains mix and just added chicken. Once I start on bread sticks - it's over!!

Good Morning

Wow! And another scorcher coming today. Going to hit 100 and then break tonight and only be 87 tomorrow. Something to look forward to! So I ran on the TM again today. Did 4 miles this morning plus my exercises. I'm planning and hoping to be outside tomorrow but we'll have to see.

I'm going to Duluth today to have lunch with Grandma. Taking Poppa with me and he's already upstairs waiting for me even though I've told him several times we're not leaving until 9:30! What a guy.

Raw Meat!

That's what my muscles felt like! Now that I've typed that header, I don't understand it! But people say that - I felt like raw meat. Don't they? I think they do......maybe they don't!

At one point this morning Shauna was chuckling about my trembling muscle (look at that poor thing!) and I said, "It looks like it is twitching after I've been electrocuted!" And she agreed so much she is going to borrow that description. I live on through pilates!

But, dang, was today a hard day. For real. Right from the beginning we did this thing that was so difficult and it just continued on from there. Whew. I was sore and worn out all day.

I did run there and back, so I got in a 3 mile run. I'm meeting the other instructor on Thursday. Shauna has to be somewhere at 7:30 so she asked if I wanted to come early. No thanks! 6:30 is early enough!

I'm interested to see how sore I am tomorrow. So is Shauna. She asked me to report back.

Good Morning

Another scorcher here today so today I ran on the TM. Did a whole 5 miles and felt good about it. Then did the push ups and sit ups. I was one mass of sweat when done even in the air conditioned basement. It was 85 and dew point of 78 when I was ready to go so thought it best to stay inside.

Not 115!

Move to San Diego! It was 80 at 1 pm today. Nice day - sun felt delicious. Know what else felt delicious? My bed! I've been so worn out and I totally didn't want to get up today. And I did get a good night of sleep.

It was actually a tiny bit cool when I left this am. I did 6(ish!) miles and it was a good run. About mile 4 or 4.5 I really wanted to just go home (see - tired!) but I did my final loop.

And I actually ran hills today! It has been so long since that has happened. I didn't take a long lunch. Just enough to do those 5 hills. But it was good to get out. Like I said, the weather was nice!

Good Morning

Sauna City. That's our new name here. Unreal. I did run 2 miles outside this morning in the soup and it was unbelievable. 82 when I left the house and dew point in the mid 70's. Just like running in a sauna. I just wanted to see what I could do and I did 2 miles but it had to be worth 4 on a normal day! Think I will be confined to the TM the rest of the week. So, I won't be doing a 10 miler this week I'm sure. Mother Nature just hasn't cooperated with me at all this whole spring and summer.

Mucho Updates

Hi! I've been doing stuff, but I have not updated! So one update on my weekend is what will happen, I guess. I didn't get home till about 9:30 on Friday and, frankly, I'm just feeling a little down or bummed. I blame work. I just don't like it there. But I've been thinking of school things and it is interesting what you said a couple of days ago that maybe I'd become a pilates instructor. Because Angie said to me a couple of months ago, "You should be a physical therapist." And I have been thinking....yeah! I should! But it is scary because, no matter what education I seek, I'm going to have to quit my job. And how do you do that when you're an adult!?! Fear is holding me back and I think it's why I've been feeling so low this weekend.

Enough of that!

By the time Friday rolled around, I was tired! But I still got up at 5 so I still made myself run. It was short and slow. I only did 3 miles. But that's OK. I got out in the great wide world.

Then I had pilates on Saturday. I love it so much and it was sooooo hard. She really challenges me. And when I don't do things perfectly (because they are difficult beyond my ability) she says, "The next time we do this you will remember today and you will really know how far you've come!" But she also tells me when I'm doing super great or doing things exactly right.

And I really do think my foot is better. And she told me that she gets really rapid/positive feedback from her clients with plantar fasciitis.

Now today I did The Stairway to Hell again. 40 minutes on interval. And it was hard. I had it set too high at first and when the fast time came I was running. I turned that WAAAAAY down! But I was dripping sweat when I was done. Totally good workout. And I finally found it online. This is what I'm talking about:

http://www.amazon.com/StairMaster-SM00140-001-SM916-StepMill/dp/B001AS4YVC

Good Morning

Late this morning getting on here because of the Wannigan Days 5K. It went well! About a hundred people. First one so they were a little disorganized. And their route included a long, long downhill into Interstate Park and then a fairly long uphill out of the Park along highway 8. That uphill nearly killed us all! But I made it. My nike+ says my time was 30.05 so I was happy with that. Not sure what the "official" time will be. Not chip timed. There was a thing on the bottom of your bib number that a person pulled off of you when you crossed the finish line. It had a bar code on it so I suppose they scanned that to get your time. Never seen such a system before so don't know how it works. And they announced that they will email official times to us on Monday. It was fun though. Angie came to cheer me on and take some pics so that was great. Also quite a few people I know from the church and community were there so that was nice, too.

Now a day off tomorrow and then I'll attempt a long run (10 miles) on Monday. But it's going to be hot, hot, hot so I don't know that I can do it. Guess I will have to take my phone so I can call for pickup if I need it.

I did it!

I ran to pilates this morning! That was my plan/dream and why I wanted a place so close to home. But work has been getting in the way. Today I was just a tiny bit late leaving and I thought maybe I should drive. But I decided instead to run faster! And I did! My run there was under 10 minute miles. It was fun and a challenge.

And I had another great session. We did a lot of balance work today. And a lot of hip/glutes work. Interesting thing is that my foot has been bothering me a lot less. Now, that could partially be because I am running less due to the fact that I'm not in training. But I like to think it is pilates!

I do feel like I am finally getting more muscle-y! Boy, I'm so glad I gave them another chance!

I meant to tell you that I got takeout last night from Tao. I usually don't get takeout but I was just too over it to contemplate cooking and their food is healthy. The have meat but he makes his own tofu. So I got tofu with veggies in black bean sauce and brown rice. It was good!

Running!

Hello! I'm home at a more reasonable time! Another very busy day, though.

OK, I weighed myself today. I guess I just couldn't help myself. But I started thinking - how sad will I be if I don't weigh myself all week and then I do and I end up weighing what I did last time? That's equally depressing! So I did it. I'm just sad that I gave in to the urge!

I had a really good run this morning! How far? Who the heck knows! Over 6 miles though. It is a really cool week here, so it was perfect running weather this am. Clouds and everything. But it was a good run and I felt really strong. One of my best in a long time - you know, actually fun. Not my best time ever, but good!

Then I did the abs video (10 minutes) with that one really irritating teacher.

And that's it! Good day. Pilates tomorrow.

Good Morning

What a gorgeous morning here in DePere! Party cloudy and temp about 60 when I ran. I went down to the river (1/2 mile from their house) and then ran 1.5 miles up the river trail. Just a beautiful paved trail right along the river. Gorgeous! So I did 4 miles this morning and had a pace under 10! 9.58. I was surprised especially because I forgot to take my water bottle! So no hydration along the way but it wasn't that hot so it was fine. I was going to take tomorrow off but now I want to run the river trail in the other direction. Can't understand why I've never run that before here. Always walked and ran just around the neighborhood. Now they're moving! Sure enjoyed it today though. I've run that every day if I lived here.

Quick one!

I'm still at work and thought I would do my update from here! Yep, it's late. Oh well!

I had another pilates session today and I just really like it. I like my lady a lot. She is very determined to get me even, strengthen me up equally on each side, and resolve the pain in my right foot.

It was really challenging again. I was hot and sweaty! I didn't run there today because I was already working before I went and just ran out of time!

Good Morning

I did a short 3 mile run this morning. Much cooler than yesterday but I'm getting ready to head for DePere the big birthday party tomorrow afternoon. I should have done the 3 yesterday and the 6 today but who knew the weather would be better today? I sure didn't and I listen to the weather forecast every night! I'm taking my gear to DePere with me but not sure I'll run over there. Feel like I need a day's rest. Wannigan Days 5K is on Saturday and I want to be rested up for that. Might run tomorrow and then take Thursday and Friday off. I'll let you know! Have a good day.

And....ouch!

Yep, I am sure feeling that pilates session today. It just seems soooo easy when I see other people do it, but it is really hard. I can feel it mainly in my back muscles and my inner thighs. But I can actually feel it everywhere to some extent. It did something!

I did go for a 6 mile run today. How far exactly? Unknown. I'm sooo frustrated by technology! The other day it was 6.32. Today 6.1. Exact same route. So I've got no idea what my pace was.

Although it did feel good. Way better then my Nike+ claims. And it was a beautiful morning. And so many more runners! The afternoon heat must be driving the late day runners to the am.

We are going to have a cool week, though. Which makes total sense because we have visitors from DC. Course it isn't burning hot!

I've decided to start weighing myself once a week. This every day stuff is just causing me way too much angst.

Good Morning

Silly me. I slept in until 7:30 and waited for the sun to be high in the sky before heading out for a 6 mile run around the block almost entirely in full sun! It was hot, hot, hot. But I kept chugging along. Walked what I though was quite a lot in the last 2 miles but still got it done in 1.5.33. I was surprised and thought for sure it would have been more time than that. But I can't do that any more. I'm not good in the heat. So if I want to do anything over 3-4 miles I have to get up earlier to beat the heat. Anyway, I did it. Then I did the push ups and sit ups in my cool basement.

Weekend Wrap-up

Well, you've already got my pilates news. I'll email you a link to that Netflix video I've been using. I've only done the hips/thighs and the ab sessions. I'm getting better at them!

I'm really really glad I kept my pilates appointment. In theory, my next appointment is on Tuesday. We'll see!

Saturday I ran 3 miles. To my session and back. It's just over in Kensington, which is part of the reason I really want this to work out! I'd love to run over and run home. Seems like a good morning of exercise to me!

After my session fell apart on Saturday, Bart and I went to the gym! Good news! The have The Stairway to Hell now! So exciting. Great Wall marathon, here I come! I did that for about 30 minutes and then I lifted weights. Man, I hope I can firm up before The Cruise.

Then I weighed myself and I weighed approximately 1 million pounds. I'm utterly befuddled by this turn of events and did NOT weigh myself today!

Good Morning

I really didn't want to do it this morning. Slept until 7:00 and it's 71 and very muggy out there. But I went. Left the house at 8:10. Did the 4 miles around the block. No dogs again today. But lots of humidity! Pace wasn't so great at 10.32 or something like that but I got it done.

Confirming

Yep, I did nothing today! Well, exercise related! Slept in. Worked. Had a dinner date with Jessica and baby (and her mom and sister).

Back at it tomorrow!

Good Morning

I wanted to sleep in this morning and really did not feel like going out there....but I did. I only did 3 miles this morning though because it was so warm running in the sun. Where the road is shaded, it's great. But then you run out of trees and that sun hits you and it just saps my energy. But I did 3 miles with a pace of 10.03 so that's good enough for today. Going to be hot and steamy now starting today and all weekend so we'll see how I do tomorrow and Monday. I'm running that Wannigan Days 5K a week from tomorrow and am still thinking about that half in Red Wing on 7/30. I don't like to run in the heat and humidity though so I don't know.

Have a good day!

Mix: Hard Work and Slack!

I overslept today! I really didn't sleep well last night. I went to bed late and then tossed and turned. Naturally, I was in a deep coma when the alarm went off! I finally rolled out of bed at 5:40 and I was luck I did that because, apparently, I turned off my alarm.

I ran 6 miles this am. Started out great but I was SO hot by the end. My pace was around 10:30. I think I forgot to tell you that a yorkie tried to attack me the other day. I had my pepper spray out today and I made darn sure the owner saw it in my hand. Guess who's getting an air horn??? Yep! I can't wait. You are my inspiration! I wish we could record this!

Then I went to work and worked like CRAZY. I did a really good job of keeping it healthy again. I'm doing well with that! I wish that food wasn't the real culprit with weight, but there you have it. Oh, I also have not had any pop this week! I got some iced green tea instead. Also, we ordered iced tea for the office. We have so much pop around and, as it turns out, a lot of people are interested in an alternative.

Then I went to the gym. And I did TWO exercises. And then I left. True story.

Good Morning

I was short on time this morning as you know so I ran a mile north and back as fast as I could. Did the 2 miles in 19.14 so nike+ says I did the first mile in 9.32 (uphill for 4/10's) and the second mile in 8.55 (downhill for the same 4/10's). Very good!! For me anyway. So I guess I will do this once in a while. Sure got my heart pumping!

Heat Wave!

WhoooooBoy! It's hot! And we do not have any temp control in our office, so it is extra super hot. EXTRA SUPER! So, basically, I didn't do hills today. Nor did I go to the gym. I was honestly just so over it that I came home. And it was hot here, too......

The good news is that it is helping me eat healthfully. It is inspiring me to keep my food light and cold. In fact, I'm chilling my dinner right now. Shrimp and greens.

So, pilates! Today was the day! I was going to run over and then I thought, "Girl, you should probably know exactly where you are going before you take away your ability to make quick direction/location adjustments." And I'm glad I did because I did have a bit of confusion.

How was it? Well, it is kind of hard to say. I think it was awesome, but I don't know! Because I can still walk and function. And I'm kind of mentally trained to think that if it doesn't hurt, it didn't work! That said, I really do think it was good. I have three sessions to try out. My next one is Saturday.

We did a full body session for one hour. Started with a warm up and then did abs, legs, arms/back. It is interesting because I really have to be mindful of the way I'm holding my body. And I really can feel a difference when she helped me make a correction so I was doing it "right". PS, right means harder!

So it is hard to know from the introductory session, but I'll keep it up because I think it will really help me get where I want to be!

XO!

To add: I had napa cabbage with my shrimp tonight and that is yet another low calorie veggie, I found when I just looked it up now! 13 calories per cup. Nuts! This is what Nutrition Data says about it:

The good: This food is very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Niacin, Calcium and Potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Folate, Iron, Copper and Manganese.

Read More http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/3035/2#ixzz1ROCCbzow

Good Morning

A perfect, gorgeous morning here today. Just beautiful. I ran 2 miles north and back and had a pretty fair pace. Think tomorrow I will do a 2 mile speed run. Run as fast as I can for 2 miles or until I collapse and see how it goes. They recommend doing that once in a while and I've never done it. I need to be out of here early tomorrow so seems like a good time to try it. Won't have time for a longer run. Taking Car 54 to a body shop for some minor work on the interior.

Rainbow!

Yes, we saw a rainbow tonight! I could not believe it! Pretty rare out here - especially when it isn't raining! We did not search for the pot of gold, and I hope you can forgive me for that. Heck, I hope I can forgive myself!

I had a pretty good run this morning. 6 miles. And then I did one of the 10 minute ab videos. I'm getting good at it! I mean, it still feels like work. But I thing my form is better.

Good eating all day today. Will it show up on the scale tomorrow? Cross your fingers...

And toes!

I hope you had a great day off! Tomorrow is my pilates session, so I'll report back!

Good Morning

I changed it up this morning and went for a 7 mile bike ride instead of running. Just felt like doing something different and it always amazes me that that's work, too! But some different leg and thigh muscles get used which is good and the whole point of cross training they say. So it was good. Then I did the push ups and sit ups when I got home. And then I got on the scale! Big mistake there. I did not make healthy food choices all weekend like you did! Now I'll pay for it.

I'm off today for my 4th since the holiday was on a Monday. Not much on my schedule though but will have to find something to do so I don't sit around and eat.

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.