Another Visit!

I had someone else talk to me today! Weird, two days in a row! I was just leaving my place and a guy with a tiny dog waved to me - so excitedly! And then he said, "You're that girl I see every day!" And then we visited a bit about running and my route and he said, "I see you leave and then I see you come back and I think - I've only walked two blocks!" And I said, "Maybe someday you'll decided to come out and run with me!" And then he chuckled, so I chuckled, and we parted ways. I'm sooo sore today! I think it's from the lunges yesterday. But it could also be that I'm picking up my pace a bit. Anyway, today I only ran. No pushups or abs or lunges. But I am doing ibuprofen. That's something! I weighed myself today for the first time in a long time and things are good on that front. I've been afraid - I blame the heat and inevitable ice cream!

Happy Monday!

And it is a happy Monday, because I know that you are feeling better! Or were. Are you still on the upswing? I had a good run this morning. 3 miles. I felt like I was going super fast! But, alas, it turns out I was only going a little less slow. But I had a good time and that's what counts. I also did lunges, ab stuff, and situps. Today when I did lunges outside a lady stopped to talk to me about them. She said she would try to remember to do them!

Speed Work

As you know, my slowness is making me nuts. Well, as you probably know. Or can tell. Or have come to understand. Geesh. Get on with it, Julie! Anyway, today I did 3 miles but did bursts of speed throughout the run. Probably 10 times for 30 to 60 seconds. Just as fast as I could. It was good but challenging. I really am feeling out of shape. I did some pushups and ab work upon my return. Now I'm having oatmeal featuring white peaches and soon I'll be having more coffee. Then? Video games! I honestly haven't played for months. I won't play long, maybe an hour. I am meeting a friend for coffee and I have a million unfinished home projects. You should see my bedroom! You'd think a 16 year old lives in there, not a 39 year old!

Slow Run

July is catching up with me. I was worn out from before I rolled out of bed! I did run, even though I wasn't feeling it! But I'm glad I did it. It was a beautiful day. So good to be out and about, that's for sure. I had a delicious massage tonight and I bet I'll sleep like...well, I don't know. The saying is 'like a baby' but I never understand that as they pee all over themselves and that's not something to which I particularly aspire. But I bet I'll sleep well.

No Report

Well, I'm making a report about the fact that I have nothing to report! Except for the fact That I have the best boyfriend ever! I didn't run this am due to work. So I left the office early with the intention of running and then working from home the rest of the day. But that was not to be because I got a flat tire on my way home! On the 15!!! Yes, that totally busy road. Very scary! I called Bart to tell him that I was on the 15 and calling the mechanic to (hopefully) come fetch me and he said, "No! I will come and put on your spare!" And he totally did! HERO! Anyway, now I have new tires. Yes, plural. Cause I needed them - and I have known I needed them. So I'm feeling pretty irresponsible here tonight, to tell you the truth.

Runnin

It's me! Again! I really had some slack days here, so I'm happy to be able to present two posts in a row! Today I just ran again. 3 miles. All was fine. I tell you, my hamstring is still better. Such a relief because it really was causing me troubles. But way better and my foot is better. Which makes me happy but doesn't surprise me because I didn't think it was plantars as much as an issue tied to the hamstring. Because whenever that muscle was tight, my foot ached more. Anyway, good news on that front. So happy to report it! The festival of smoothies continues! Today I had chard, spinach, raw red beet (peeled, of course. I'm not an animal!), and frozen strawberries. It was delicious. And I really mean that! Did 5 pushups today. OUCH. I really need to get back on those. I have serious upper body weakness.

I'm back!

Whew, I've had some downtime, huh? Well, I've been pretty busy and I did a lot of walking and work this weekend. So I won't feel too terrible about it. I did run today. I actually had a work from home day. And that's all I did - work! I was hoping to sneak in a pedicure, but no luck. But I did get a good run in. 3 miles. So that's that. More tomorrow! Sure am anxious for your appointment tomorrow. I know you won't get an answer tomorrow, but at least it's movement.

Better time

Well, a much better showing today. So I don't know why yesterday was so darn slow. But today was a good run! And I'm kind of surprised because I worked till 3 am! But I slept till 7 am. More tomorrow........I think!

Speedwork WHAT?

After my speedwork yesterday, I figured I'd be flying this morning! Like qualifying for Boston! But, alas, no! I actually was slower than I've been for a long time! Well, a couple weeks anyway. I need to get a plan together for October. I can't believe how quickly that is approaching. I'm getting emails about the SD half. I'm going to sign up again. My leg feels a lot better today. I've had so much chronic pain I've been ignoring. But yesterday I decided to put some shoe inserts into my running shoes. And today my leg doesn't hurt. So....we'll see if that continues.

Catching up

I knew what a fartlec was!!  You should have asked me.  I googled that a long time ago because I had no clue when I first saw the word used.  I didn't ask you because I didn't want to appear uninformed!

You are doing so well!  Keep up the good work and you'll be ready for that marathon in the fall for sure.

I have been running 2 miles every other morning or so.  Neither the heel or the groin is 100% and I can feel both of them but I've just kept going.  Not too bad while I'm running but I do get very stiff and sore after I sit around for a while.  I ran on Monday and Tuesday mornings even though it was too hot to do so by 8:30 am when I was out there.  So I don't know what to do.  I'm not running now on the trip home and probably won't again until Monday.  I don't suppose I'll run on Saturday because i will need to get to the office and see what's been going on and to get ready for Sunday.  So a few more days rest.  I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever get my old form back.  When I'm running I'm doing about 10.5 minute miles so that's good.  And Mom says it doesn't look like I'm limping or favoring one side or the other so that's good, too.  But at the moment I can't imagine getting around the 4 mile block at home. 


I got the emails about the San Diego half next March.  I would love to do that again but will have to see how things go.  Two years ago I was off all summer because of that plantar faciitis and now this summer is going to be lost, too.  Maybe I'm just an every other year kind of guy!

I'm thinking now that I will take a couple of PT sessions on that left heel and see how it feels and what I can learn.  Haven't decided about getting new orthotics yet although....I did run 2 times on the farm without them in and while that seemed to go ok I felt better when I put them back in the shoes.

Enough for tonight.

Did it!

So, yesterday I did not do speed work. I just did a straight 3 mile run. But today I did and it was really hard! I only ended up going a little over 1 mile and I was really worn out! I just went to the end of the block and started slow running up and down the block twice. Then I ran up as fast as I could and, on the return, I ran slow for recovery. And I did that until I just didn't have gas anymore to go fast! And then I did some ab stuff. Then I ate ice cream at work.

Well, thank you RW!

How many times have I wondered what, exactly, is a fartlec? Many times! Now, I've not wondered quite hard enough to actually look it up, but I have wondered. And now I know! It is just run hard, recover, run hard, recover. I thought it was much more mysterious. Mostly because it would be mentioned but never explained! So, thank you RW for finally explaining! I'm going to do them tomorrow. I've been slacking a bit. I think I've just been stressed and discombobulated. But I did run today and I did 3 miles. My pace is improving, which is such a relief. It was pretty darn hot by the time I got out there. I did lunges today, too. Fartlec day is tomorrow!

Doing stuff and catching up!

Hi! I'm here! I guess I've been a slacker with posting. Geesh! Well, I'm not sure what I have to report. I did not run Friday because I figured my mechanic would call the second I left. And so I did not leave thereby guaranteeing he never called at all! And I did run on Saturday, as well. I've been doing three mile runs and my pace is improving. Once I'm back to 10 minute miles, I'll start adding distance. Today I ran 3 miles and I did lunges for a bit. I can really feel those! I also did some abs work (plank things). And I ran hills today! We were busy and I didn't think I would get out but I made it a priority and it happened. Yay! PS - my smoothies continue to be awesome. Yesterday I washed and chopped chard, kale, and spinach so I could easily use them during this week. I hope they last!

Hi from Montana

We're over at Nancy's house this afternoon (Friday) so I am checking email and trying to catch up on a few things from here.  Good for you on the hills, dance class, and gym.  You are too busy!  I would love a dance class like that!

I walked 1 mile yesterday morning and ran and walked 2 miles today.  I still feel this pinch in my groin and left heel but I'm tired of waiting for it to go away.  I won't overdo it though but plan to do something each morning and see how it goes.  It's like starting all over though after 2 months of doing nothing.  I'm so out of shape.

Whoo Sore!

I didn't even sleep well last night. Why? Hot and sore! I should have turned on the AC but I will tonight. Anyway, I woke up really early and decided to go to the gym. And I did the usual gym things. I drank approximately a million cups of coffee today. And it is almost 11 and I'm wide awake. So right now I'm watching Beverly Hills Cop. I'm working from home tomorrow - my car is in the garage. Nothing new is wrong. I just have a couple of outstanding issues I want to get resolved before it gets way too hot. Figure I can drive my car for 5 more years?

Something New!

I did something new tonight and it was nerve wracking but fun and I'm glad I did it! I went to a dance class! I will tell you, I can't dance at all. And won't. But I have been thinking that I'd like to get some general coordination going on. I've been thinking on this for a couple years but just started looking for a class a few months ago. And, dang, I couldn't find one. But I mentioned it to Jessica (she does dance) and she said, "OH, there totally is a class for that!" Here it is: http://stage7.com/schedule/class-descriptions/adult-pre-ballet/ It's right over in North Park (on 30th) and the class is only 9 dollars! And the best part is that I don't have to sign up. So if I cannot make it due to work, I'm not out any money. I just can show up when I can. This class is on Wednesday and on Saturday. So I went tonight and, wow, I'm sore. We did a lot of bar work and very little actual dancing type stuff. Which I'm thrilled about since I have no skills.....yet. I can really feel that I've done something different in my back and shoulders. I did run today, too. Three miles. Very slow.

Sit down before reading!

I ran hills today! How long has it been? Well, just checked my labels and the last time I labeled a post with "Hills" was 5/23/12. Wow, that's a long time. Anyway, I did run hills at lunch today and it was so beautiful out. I'm so glad I did it. I left at 4 to take lunch (aka: run hills) and was really starting to think, "Oh, it's too late....I have too much to do....I can do it another time." And then I thought, no, just do it. So I did. And I'm so glad I did. I also went to the gym this am. Did the usual but I did a new ab thing. I stood with 10 lb weights at my sides and then leaned to one side, came back up. Leaned to the side, came back up. It's hard to describe. Do you know what I mean? Anyway, I can feel it in my obliques but also in my back. In a good way. This looks fun: http://chargers5k.competitor.com/event-details.html But why does it have to start at 7 am? That's insane!

Short Run

I really lagged today. Got up at the usual time but I just couldn't get myself out the door. But I finally did go and did a 3 mile run. All I had time for! Nice morning around here. Tonight I'm just hanging out at home and anticipating bed already! I had lunch out today. That's rare for me. It was good - Little Sheep Hot Pot! I hear your trip is going well thus far. I'm so glad to know that. How was pool running? I bet that's really challenging!

Miss You Already!

I hope you have a great trip, but I'll be sad and lonely without you! It'll just be me and my smoothies....... I ran yesterday, but I felt really weird. I just had zero energy. I almost walked! And I was tired the rest of the day. I took today off. I did go to the FM and then Bart had me over for dinner. And Mike and Cindy! He made us steaks. Very good and fun!

Quick Run

I did over 3 but under 4 today. I way slept in! Until 7:20. But I was awake a lot of last night, worrying about work. Which is very unusual for me. But there we have it! So I ran. Slowly. Next week I must start hills. July is almost here but I can't slack on the hills if I think I'm going to be any good for the NWM in October! I don't know if I'll run or do the gym tomorrow. One or the other. I had a very healthy food day. Great smoothie! Chard, 1/2 banana, strawberries, blueberries, 1/2 golden beet. YUM. But the red beets sure make a smoothie look prettier.

Doctor Appointment Today

Today I had an appointment with Dr. McDonough in SCF.  He is a sports medicine specialist.  I found him to be willing to listen to my whole tale of woe and he gave me what I thought was a very thorough exam.  He spent 25 minutes with me.  The only thing he didn't do was order an MRI which I chose not to do.  Without the MRI he is 99.9% certain that I do have a slight case of Achilles tendonitis in the left heel and a pulled muscle in the right groin.  And, yes, he does think the one thing (the hell pain) led to the other (the groin pain).  He is certain I do not have any broken or cracked or fractured bones anywhere nor do I have any signs of arthritis that might cause any of this.  Since both conditions are getting better with time he wants me to do some exercises they taught me today (a physical therapist spent another 20 minutes with me), cross train by riding my bike, walking, and running in a pool (Ah, we need a pool!  Mom will be thrilled.), taking Ibuprofen or Aleve as needed, and having patience.  I can do all of that except the last thing.  He gave me some heel lifts to wear in my shoes (both feet) which should help with the Achilles pain and wants me to wear them in all my shoes for a while and see what happens there.  They feel pretty good actually.  He thinks I should hold off on getting new orthotics for now at least.  So, I will go on vacation and read books.  I don't  know what else to do at the moment.

Taking it slow

I've had the same conversation with myself yesterday and today. Take it slow. I don't need to brutalize myself right out of the gate. After the gate? Sure! Yesterday I was thinking I would run 6 miles but I talked myself into 4. And today I went to the gym and I did cardio and lifted weights, but I didn't overdo and I feel sore but not broken. I'm going to try and ease into things a bit. So today I did a mix of cardio. I did the elliptical for 5 minutes, walked at a 15% incline for 5 minutes, then I did The Stairway to Hell for 10 minutes. I was hot and sweaty when I was done! Then I did some upper and lower weights. I can really tell I've been a gym slacker. It is so easy to lose the strength that is so hard to build! And then I did some ab stuff, too. More lunges today. Hopefully I can walk tomorrow. I did them in moderation, I promise! I think I did anyway......

Hello From San Diego!

Always nice to go and always nice to come back! I had a nice sleep in my very own bed! And I'm excited to climb in again tonight. I had a short run today, about 4 miles. Geesh, I'm so slow. I really think it is because I've not been running hills at all. I need to get that back in my mix. Tomorrow: gym!

Saw Doctor, Took a Walk

I saw Dr. Berg yesterday.  She thinks I have Achilles tendonitis in my right heel and need PT for that and a new pair of orthotics.  Current ones are two years old and need to be replaced according to her.  Of course, she didn't look at them or ask to.  I found an exercise in Runners World for the tendonitis and started doing that last night.  Can't get into PT until July 11th and can't get an appointment for the orthotics until July 12th. So, it all continues to be very frustrating.

I did go for a 2 mile walk this morning but I could feel the discomfort in both the heel and the groin. Not pain, but discomfort and certainly not right yet.

Fitnatics 5K

Well, we did it yesterday! A day late because of huge rain and thunder storms on Thursday morning but it was a beautiful day yesterday.  It all went well but it will be my last run again for a while because I was hurting the rest of the day.  It did certainly confirm that there is no way I could be running Grandma's Marathon today.

I'm sore!!

Yesterday I did a million lunges in liu of running. Wow. The pain! Guess I need to do them more.

Happy Fitnatics 5k day!

Wisconsin Running!

I had a pretty good run today - except when the neighbor's dog freaked me out! Seemed like a nice dog and it walked up to me with it's tail wagging like crazy. I walked because I have read that you should walk and not look at them. Anyway, I finally realized the dang thing really was going to come up to me so I bent down to let it sniff my hand and it looked terrified and ran away! Weird! Anyway, I went up the big hills and turned around. Way less windy than the last time I ran up there!

I Did It!

I actually ran two whole miles this morning.  Some people would call it more of a jog than a run because it was pretty slow but it wasn't walking.  Slight ache in the groin but certainly not the pain I felt even last Saturday when I tried to run.  Do you think?  Do you suppose?  Maybe?  I hope.....  I iced it anyway when I got home and have taken an Aleve now just to ward off problems but it feels fine right now.

Run

I did a 4 mile run this morning. It was....ok. My right hamstring is so tight, though. I really need to stretch it more. Back. I took the opportunity to stretch!

Another Walk

I walked 2 miles this morning.  Can still feel a pull in the groin and something is also going on with my left heel.  I'm a mess I tell ya.  But what a gorgeous morning.  65 and sunny.  No wind.  Just perfect.  We've ordered some of these for next week, too.

Weekend Roundup

I can't believe I forgot to post! Because I actually did do stuff! I ran both Saturday and Sunday. 5 on Saturday and 4 on Sunday. By the time I hit the road on Sunday, it was very late and it was cool but humid. So I didn't really feel like going further. I will say that my right foot has been aching a lot this weekend. I may look into some running arch supports. I have to go to work really early today and I may go to the gym after work, but I doubt it. In other health news, I am going to the dentist at 10:30 am. No problems to report, just a checkup. I need to make an appointment with my eye doctor, too. I've been getting a lot of headaches. They are not crazy intense but I wonder if my eyes are changing a bit. Or if staring at a computer screen is finally taking it's toll. A new thing I have been doing is drinking smoothies! My best concoction thus far was chard, beet (raw), pineapple, strawberries, and coconut water (just a bit). It is no chocolate milkshake, but they have been pretty tasty! I just got to thinking that the Green Fix that I was getting at the FM was so pricey, why can't I make my own? And the answer is, I can! I've also made a smoothie using kale and yesterday I bought some spinach to try out.

Running

I had a 4 mile run today. It was fine - good weather. I just don't know why it seems like such mentally hard work right now. But I did it. So that's something!

No Go

The title says it all.  I couldn't even get half way up the driveway and I could feel the pain again with every step. I don't know what else to do.  Put my running clothes and shoes up for sale on eBay I guess.  Very discouraging.

Last PT Appointment

I had it this morning and it went well.  Was in Osceola for this one and felt that Ann did a much, much better job for me than Cheryl did in SCF.  Just a different technique I guess but I really felt like I had therapy today.  Anyway, the groin is feeling almost fine almost all the time now so I am planning a short run tomorrow morning to test it out.

Hope your arm is better!

Running!

Well, yes, it is me! And I have a report! I ran 5+ (very slow) miles today. I sat around until I almost didn't have time to do it. I am having some kind of psychological disorder. I didn't run this weekend, I ate all kinds of garbage. Well, back on track, I guess. I will have more to report tomorrow!

Another Bike Ride

It was cool (52) and very windy out there this morning and I didn't think I would go the whole 5 miles but I did.  I should have worn my big sweatshirt and gloves though!  Hands were frozen by the time I got home.  But I did it.  Feels good just to be doing something even if it's not really the thing I want to be doing.  But the groin is getting better and I think I will be running in a matter of days now.  I hope.

Biking

I can't just sit around here on my you know what anymore!!  So, this morning I went for a 5 mile bike ride and then did the full complement of push ups and sit ups when I got home.  I have got to get back into this.  I took an Aleve at 6:30 and my groin felt fine during the ride and feels fine now.  The push ups and sit ups nearly killed me however!!  You would think I hadn't done them for a month.

I will plan to ride the bike the next couple of mornings and see how it goes.  I have PT at 8:00 on Thursday so won't do it that day.  But I have got to get back into something here.

Update

I saw PA Nicole Johnson yesterday.  It is definitely a pulled or strained muscle and not a hernia.  She suggested that I continue with PT (next appt isn't until Thursday - ugh), ice it at least twice a day, do the stretches they've taught me at least twice a day, and not be afraid to take Aleve as needed.  She also thought I could try riding my bike and see how that goes if I feel the need to do something.

So, I went for a 3 mile ride this morning.  I had just taken Aleve so I could still feel a little pull down there but very minor.  Now, after a couple of hours, the Aleve is working and I don't feel anything there.  I will for another ride Monday morning and see how it goes.

That's all the news that's fit to print from here.

Quick Run

I did a 5 mile run today. And I didn't feel bad for only doing 5.....that's a lie. I'm not quite adjusted to my decision yet! Anyway, beautiful morning. Perfect running weather, really. And it felt easy because I knew I didn't have to go too long. I also ran hills at lunch. I need to look back here. I wonder how long it's been since I've done that! Didn't weigh myself today........

Want a Record of This

I decided today that there is no way I can run Grandma's Marathon.  My right groin continues to hurt from a pulled or strained muscle.  As best as I can remember, I strained it one night working on the Model A in the garage  Just felt a pinch down there while straining to get the fan belt back on the crank pulley.  Didn't seem serious at all to me then.  The next Saturday (May 5th) I ran 16 miles and it was really, really hurting by the time I was done.  I could hardly walk the rest of that day.  By Sunday morning I could walk but it hurt and it took several days to just become an ache.  I took the whole next week off.  Ran 4 miles in pain the next Saturday morning.  Then went to Urgent Care and got a script for physical therapy which I started on Monday, May 14th.  Had 3 sessions that week and was feeling better.  On Monday May 21st I ran 3 miles and could feel the pain in my groin with every step.  That was yesterday.  So back to PT again today and made the decision that there is just no way I can do Grandma's.  Even if I were suddenly cured, I haven't gotten the long training runs in that I need.  I am very, very disappointed in this turn of events.  Damn.

Something to Report!!

I actually went out this morning and ran 3 miles!!  It wasn't pretty and it wasn't fast but I did it!  I could feel the glitch in my groin almost every step but I just kept going and it wasn't too bad at all.  And now I am home and, so far, not limping!  It has been 9 days since I've tried to run at all and that last one didn't go well.  And that had been the first run in a week before that.  So, I am way off the training schedule for Grandma's Marathon and very unsure about being able to do that but at least this morning I have a glimmer of hope.

One Mile Failure

One mile. That's it. I feel so much better but I'm so broken down and tired after being sick, I just don't have any energy. Whine, whine, whine. But I have a serious lack of practice.

Not so Good

I did 4 miles this morning and I shouldn't have.  I could feel that pain in my groin with every step.  So, I came home, called Urgent Care, and went down there mostly to get a scrip for PT which I did.  I will call them first thing Monday and get in as soon and as often as I can.

So I will not be doing 18 or anything on Monday.  I am so filled with doubts about this now.  But Angie doesn't think we should cancel which I was all set to do this morning.  They will charge my card on Tuesday the 15th so Monday is the last day to decide.  I hate to spend all that money if I can't do it.  I won't even want to go up there if I can't run.

I took an Aleve when I got home from the clinic though and the leg hasn't really bothered me ever since.  So, maybe if I just keep myself drugged up I can do it!  I could start packing away some of Mom's oxycodone!

That's my tale of woe.

Feeling better!

I'm finally feeling better! I'm not feeling great, but I sure feel better. Such a relief. Course, I managed to share it around the office apparently. Or some are taking the opportunity to have a mental health day. Can't say I blame them! I worked late last night so I slept in this morning and went on a long run around Lake Murray. I hit the bulls-eye twice, so that's 12 miles. And they were 12 hard miles, Dad. Well, that's not true. They were three very hard miles. The last three. If I had to run the marathon tomorrow? No way. I am also sporting a shiny new blister on my toe. Sigh.

Gorgeous Morning

It's an absolutely perfect morning to be out there for a run.  But I'm not.  Instead I'm sitting here with an ice pack up my crotch!

Doing stuff

Today I did a 10 mile run! So I'm really glad for that. I am feeling better I think but I took too much medicine today and it made me super wacky. I took what my doctor told me to take, but it was just too much. Does cold medicine make you feel super weird? Anyway, I'm relieved I could get some miles in today. We shall see what tomorrow brings.

Not Good

I planned to run 4 this morning but turned around at 1.6 miles.  So I did 3.  But I could feel this pinch in my right groin with every step.  I actually walked down the driveway to home which I don't ever remember doing before.  I have ice on it now and will do that every chance I get I guess.  Not sure what tomorrow will bring.  I have to have Poppa in Stillwater for an eye Doc appointment at 9:20 am so might take another day off.  This is pretty depressing.

I did something!

As you know, I went to the doctor today. Strictly viral. Only rest will fix what ails me. So I shall rest. Mostly. I did run today. I ran 6 miles over at Lake Murray. And I coughed and hacked the entire way! Then I went to the doctor and lifted some weights at the gym on my way home. So. I'm getting better. But those were 6 hard miles.

It wasn't pretty...

...but I got it done. 16.02 miles according to the Garmin.  Nike+ was a little less than that so I'm going with the Garmin here!  I am really stiff now this afternoon though.  Good thing I have no big plans to accomplish much of anything.  I ran around the 4 mile block 4 times.  It would be easier if I were someplace without all these hills!  I was passed by 39 vehicles, 2 tractors, 1 lawn mower tractor, and I passed the same two trash picker uppers 3 times!  Now I get two days off no matter what the training plan says!  (It says to take one day off but I think I'll make it two.)

Good Morning

I did another 4 miler outside this morning. Went around the 4 mile block backwards so that I ran UP the big hill on 150th Ave instead of down it.  And I ran the whole 4 miles without stopping or pausing even while coming up the hill!  Lemon Drop Hill will be a piece of cake.  Bring it on! Felt pretty good.  I like these new shoes more every day.

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!

Happy birthday Julie!!  And, in your honor, I ran 4 miles outside this morning!  Perfect morning after a big rain, thunder, and lightning storm last night.  Happy Birthday!

Slow!

I had one of those runs today where I thought I was going super fast but I was actually going really slow. Sigh! I did run 7 miles today. It was a perfect running day. Cool and overcast. More tomorrow. Hopefully. I'm feeling like....well, like I might be sick. Headachey and I've been coughing all day.

Finally!

I finally had a good long run today. Long as in 12 miles, which is the most distance I've done since our half. And not were I should be. But where I am, and that is life. I told Angie yesterday that maybe we need to change our attitude. Because we both sound pretty defeatist when we were talking about the marathon. So I said, "We should change our attitude from 'no way can I get ready' to 'this is an epic challenge to get prepared, but we can do it!'" So I tried to keep that in mind. And it was actually a really good run. Slow, but better than I have been doing. The cool day probably helped a lot. Today I went to a new lake! Lake Murray over in La Mesa. I liked it a lot. It was a lot cooler due to area but it also has a lot more tree cover than Miramar. Ample parking, too. The dam is blocked so it is an "in/out" run. 6 miles round trip. So I did the in/out twice. And I realize I'm all kinds of behind on my posts! I did run Friday and Saturday, 7 miles each day. Today was the best run I've had in a while. I feel a lot better about my running now. I also switched to an old pair of shoes the other day and I'm noticing that my right hamstring is a lot less tight and painful.

Gym

It finally did rain last night. Not a lot but enough to wreak havoc in San Diego. So that's approximately a tablespoon. I went to the gym today and it was pretty good. I'm really worn out and I think a lot of that is just that I'm emotionally drained. So I really didn't push too hard today. I walked at a 15% incline for 5 minutes and then "ran" at that same incline for 5. Then TSWTH. Then the usual weights and such. I can tell I haven't been for a few days. That happens quick. Running tomorrow though.

Back on Track

I got up and ran 4 on the TM this morning in my new shoes.  Seemed fine but need to be broken in so I'm reserving judgment for now but my feet certainly felt better this morning than they have recently so I'm encouraged.

Short Run

I did run today, but it was under 5 miles. It was in the afternoon and it's just so hot and humid right now. It's trying really hard to rain, which is why it's so humid I imagine. It will rain tonight. So they say. It was supposed to rain Monday, then Tuesday, then.....well, you get the picture! More tomorrow. It's supposed to rain (!) so probably gym times.

10 Miler

I did a 10 miler this morning but my feet are still bothering me.  Ran in my old shoes today.  I'm going to a running store in St. Paul tomorrow or Wednesday and see what they can tell me.  If my feet felt ok I could run a lot farther I think.  Legs and lungs feel good and strong.  So, it's just the feet.

The bib number mystery for Grandma's Marathon is resolved!  Men's numbers start at 100 and women's numbers start at 6100 so we both have very low numbers.  They are assigned according to registration order.

Healthy Heart 5K

Mike, Angie and I ran the Healthy Heart 5K in Osceola this morning.  Only 37 degrees and a slight wind so it was plenty cool.  But we got it done.  My time was 29.54 so not a PR but ok with me.  Mike was a little over 31 and Angie was about 34 I think.  So we all did pretty well.  I think they had about 200 people running and/or walking so a good turn out.  I'm planning a 10 miler for Monday.

Running

I feel so behind in my distance skills right now. I tried to run 12 miles today but I only ran 11.23. I just could do more because I felt sick. So I really need to focus and buckle down. I'm pretty sore because I've been so behind. But I am going to run tomorrow and then gym Saturday and then long run Sunday.

Gym Day

Today was a gym day and I did the usual things. I ran 5 minutes, I ran at a 15% incline for 5 minutes. Still hard. I did TSWTH for 10 minutes. Then I did weights. I am pretty tired, though. I didn't sleep well last night and I'm starting to think that all of these late nights for work are screwing with my sleep patterns. I went to bed at 10 and just laid there till 1. Another long day today but I've decided I'm going into work late. I'll sleep in a bit and still run and just work from home. And go in when I go it.

I did something!

Although it's not that impressive because today was quieter. So it's not like I just said, "Dang it, I'm doing it!" Although in a way I did. This entire thing is emotionally exhausting me. So there is that, plus I'm getting home late, going to bed late. Drinking too much coffee. So I'm already tired when I wake up! Today I turned off my alarm and slept till 6. The I did as I planned. I worked in the morning from home and went for a run at 9 am. Then I went into the office. And I did run 10 miles today! So I was pretty happy about that after all this downtime. I would have gone more but it was too hot. The heat was starting to get to me. But 10 is great. I'm already getting ready for the gym tomorrow. It's time to get back on schedule. One good thing through all of this is that I have continued eating healthfully. I have very often thought, "I really really want a cupcake." but I have not done that.

It's snowing!

Yes, it was!!  We have a good inch on everything and it's as white as it can be out there!  Unreal.  Although, a year ago today Angie, Megan, Josh and I ran the Healthy Heart 5K (which is coming up again this Saturday) in Osceola and we had some snow that morning, too.  Not like this though.  So it was inside on the TM this morning for a 4 miler.

I wore those short blue socks again and my feet were getting hot by the time I was done.  So, time to try some different socks.  Then I will start thinking it's these new shoes.  I wonder if there's a running store in the Twin Cities where I can go and be evaluated like I did that time in SD at RRS.  I'm going to find out.  Maybe my feet have changed and I need a different kind or style of shoe.  I don't know.  I just know I'll never run 26 miles if my feet feel like they did on Saturday.

14 miles

But it was hard today.  Seemed much harder than the 12 miles last Saturday.  Gorgeous morning and perfect running weather so that was great.  But my feet were really bothering me today.  I wore a pair of those short blue socks I bought at RRS a couple years ago and I've worn them many times but never for this long a run and I wonder if they were the problem.  My feet just felt hot and cramped so I ended up walking more than I have ever walked in a half marathon except for that one in Red Wing when it was 500 degrees.  But I did 14.1 miles.  Pace was terrible so we won't talk about that!

More of the same

Yes, same old, same old from here.  Tomorrow is a day off because Saturday I go outside and run 14 no matter what the weather.  Although it's supposed to be pretty nice by Saturday morning and I won't be going out until 8:30 or so.

Gym!

I had a really good day at the gym but, I tell you, this running at 15%? Or jogging I should probably say. It's HARD. Really challenging. So I ran for 5 minutes at a 1% incline (.5 mile) and then I bumped the incline to 15% and dropped the pace to 3.8. Then 3.6. Then 3.4.....but it was hard! Then I did TSWTH for 10 minutes. Then all kinds of weights. I did this ab thing where I took one of those bouncy balls (like you have) and passed it from my hands to my feet. Really difficult! I sure can feel it today! Not sure what tomorrow will bring. I was supposed to run but Mother Nature is supposed to rain! So we shall see.

Good report!

I ran 10 miles this morning! Such a relief, actually. I was worried I would get to 7 or 8 and have to stop. But, nope, I did it and it was good. Slow though. But that's the way it is now. I also ran hills at lunch. I've been not doing that so I need to get on track with that again. Gym tomorrow! And, as you know, I'm all registered for the Nike Women's Marathon!

12 mile run!

I ran 12.06 this morning!!  Ran around both 6 mile blocks.  It was 47 when I left but a pretty strong wind from the south so about 3 miles of the run was very challenging into that wind.  Otherwise, piece of cake!  Well, not exactly but I did it.  Pace overall was 11.11 so pretty slow BUT I didn't have to walk any until 10.1 miles!!  A new record for me.  It must be that Grandma's t shirt!  I wore a short sleeve tech shirt under that and long pants but no sweatshirt today.  I'm feeling good about this.  Wasn't at all sure I could do it.  But I did!

Back to the gym

I went to the gym today for a few reasons. It's been a long time since I've been, I'm doing a long run tomorrow and so I wanted to save my running skills, and I ended up working at 6 until 8 am. So I was late and the gym worked better. Anyway! I ran for 5 minutes then put the treadmill at 15% incline and "ran" that for 5 minutes. So hard! Did 4.0 today. Then I did TSWTH for 10 minutes. Lifting weights was really challenging today. But I'll get it back!

Back on track

You know, when I take time off of running because of work, I really feel at loose ends. So now I've had runs the last two days and it makes me happy. And my run today was a lot better than yesterday. Not faster, but I felt lest stiff and slow. Yesterday I could tell it had been a few days, know what I mean? Little bit cooler today but still beautiful. Gym tomorrow! Oh, by the way, I lost my run from yesterday! I must have accidentally selected to not save it. Whoops!

I did something!

My alarm went off this morning and my first instinct was to turn the darn thing off and go back to sleep! But I promptly remembered that I have not been running or gymming so I got up. And I ran 7 miles this morning! It was a totally beautiful morning. Not cold not hot. I saw a couple of other runners out there, too. Even crabby guy! I was going to go to the gym at lunch but I totally forgot my gym bag! But I don't want to get out of the gym habit. I'm seeing results from going and lifting weights!

Outside Today

It was only 38 but no wind.  Just as calm as it could be so I put on my hoodie and headed out.  Ran around the 4 mile block.  Didn't really get warm until almost mile 2 but it was very nice out there except for that.  Forgot my water bottle so ran dry this morning and that seemed to be ok, too.  I drank when I got home though!

Inside Again

Just too dark, cold (43) and windy.  So I did 4 on the TM and it really seemed like work today because I didn't want to be there.  I don't like this time change so early because it makes the mornings so dark again until way into April.

Outside

But, oh, my but the wind was terrible!  I did run 4.25 miles out there this morning.  It was 45 when I left the house so I had my big hoodie on and long pants, gloves, cap...not SD running that's for sure!  And the wind.  Wow.  I turned the corner onto 150th Ave. and thought I had run into a wall.  But I did it.  Ran the big hill 1 and 1/2 times.  Now we're going to Sam' and Cub for some more exercise!

Hard Workout

I had an accidental hard workout today! I went to the gym and first decided to run a hill on the treadmill. So I set it to 15% incline, which is really substantial! And I ran at (I think!) 3.4 for 5 minutes. Very difficult. My lungs were burning by the time I was done! Then I did TSWTH. But I set the intervals wrong! I set my work rate to 86 and my rest rate to 83. But usually I do 68/63. So I was so very confused because it was so difficult. I couldn't even figure out how I lost so much stamina in just a couple of days! I didn't figure it out until I had 2:38 left to go. Then I lifted weights and did abs. I need to get a little notebook to bring with me so I can note the amount of weights I'm using. Big runs for both of us tomorrow!

Better

I am feeling a lot better today. Actually, I felt fine this morning but then got a headache again this afternoon. Very strange. I did run 7 miles this am. Pretty slow! Beautiful day out there though. My plan is to run tomorrow, gym Friday, long run (probably at Miramar) on Saturday. Did some abs today, too!

Headache

What a headache I had today! I only ran 5 miles even though I wanted to run more. I had a headache when I left and I it didn't get better. In fact, I felt really bad by the time I got home. Anyway, I ran 5 miles and that was good. Quiet day here and I do feel a lot better tonight. I bet I'll be fine in the am.

Getting Stronger

I think, anyway! I had a gym day today (rained last night and a little this morning), so I stayed in. Just did 20 minutes of cardio and then weights. But I feel like I'm getting stronger. For the bicep curls, I was doing 3 sets of 12 with 10 pound weights. And today I did one set with 15 pound weights. Then 2 with the 10s. And I have been using this triceps dip and pull up machine. Where you choose weight to assist you. And I can do that with ten pounds less. So that's good!

Good Morning

Only 32 here this morning, windy, and we have little ice pellets on the deck!  So no hills for me today.  I ran 4 miles on the TM inside where it was warm!  What happened to our 70's and 80's?

Technology!

Well, I got so irritated today, I just gave up! 1. The mouthpiece came off of my camelpak hose and I had juice squirting EVERYWHERE, including on my new chair! Which apparently has some kind of protective coat because it just beaded off. WHEW. 2. I did something that made my iPod just loop through one song. Yes. ONE SONG. Over and over and over. And I shut it totally off several times. I tried all kinds of things. Nada. Good song, though. 3. While I stopped (well, I stopped multiple times) trying to fix my iPod, I paused my watch. And apparently forgot to restart it. Because I looked and saw the time staring back at me. I checked my history and it was under 4 miles. And I knew I had gone 6 or so. So at this point I said....well, something I won't repeat. And I quit running and walked home.

New Personal Record

My plan for today was to run 9 miles.  I actually only ran 8.3 but I never stopped or walked along the way!!!  Which is a first for me.  The previous record for me was about 4 miles.  I was pretty slow in the second half but I kept moving.  I had planned to take some side trips to get up to 9 miles but decided I would be happy to get home without stopping or walking whatever the mileage was.  I can't quite believe I did it.  But the Garmin doesn't lie and there are no big dips in my cadence chart at all today.  Lots of little dips but no big ones.  I am tired now though.  Off tomorrow and ready for a day of rest.

Gym Day!

I really like this getting ready at the gym business. Giant time saver. I left my house later than I like but still had more than enough time to accomplish what I wanted. Did 20 minutes of cardio then a mix of upper and lower body weights. Guess Friday is the morning to go to the gym. Empty in there! Long run for me tomorrow, too. I've had a bit of a noggin ache today, so I hope that goes away.

Inside Again

It rained during the night and was threatening this morning so I did my 4 on the TM again today.  In the end, it didn't rain so I could have gone outside so that's the way it goes.  Long run outside tomorrow.

Great Run!

As you know, I didn't do too much yesterday. But I sure feel good about what I did today. I did 7 miles (Kensington route). My pace was pretty good, I think it was 10:13/mile. I'm planning on running again tomorrow and then going to the gym Friday, long run Saturday, gym Sunday. I want to keep up on the gym and really try to build some muscle. Posted from "The Chair"

Slack!

I did a super short run today. It was cold and I was up until midnight last night and just not really into it. So I did 3ish miles and called er good! No hills again today. Hopefully work quiets down a bit!

Did It!

I had another morning at the gym and today I even remembered my purse! I was the complete package. And getting ready there really gives me so much more time. Pretty amazing. Today I ran a mile and then did TSWTH. Then I did both upper and lower body weights. Lots of squats. I should be able to get outside and run tomorrow. It will be cold though!

Hills

I ran north on 180th, east on 150th all the way to 170th, then back up that long hill half way, back down again to 170th and then all the way back up that hill and continued on 150th east past 180th and down a shorter but steeper hill there and back up and home.  4.2 miles.  I walked some coming all the way up the long hill on 150th the second time.  My goal will be to run that whole route without stopping so we shall see how that goes.  This training program only calls for running hills one day a week but, of course, there are hills on every route I take around here so I will make a point to run them every day whenever I come to one and, hopefully, get better at it.  I can feel a different burn in my legs already from this morning.  did all my situps and pushups, too, and that really felt like work.  I've been slacking off on those every since going to SD.

Weekend Wrapup

I had a pretty good weekend of exercise, despite the rain. Which persists today, but today should see the storm move out and we'll be dry and sunny again tomorrow. So "they" say! I went to the gym both Saturday and Sunday. I did cardio both days and on Saturday I focused on my lower body and on Sunday, it was an upper body day. I'll go again today and then (hopefully) get back to running tomorrow. My weight continues to be a source of mind boggling frustration. I think I'll call the doctor today and see if I can go to a nutritionist or something. I have, as you know, been stuck at 137 for two weeks or more. Despite keeping good track of my calories and I know I should be dropping based on my intake. I had been seeing a bit of downward movement and was at 135 on Saturday. And now I'm back to 137 today. I'm very seriously considering saying "f this" and living a life of eating ding dongs. It is filling me with absolute rage.

Executive Decision

I got all my gear packed up last night so I could go to the gym again this am, but I was so sore. I knew I wouldn't be able to lift weights. And then I looked at the weather and saw that it is really planning on raining tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday. All day, each day! So I decided to run while I had the opportunity. I figured I could just do three and call it good. But I started really warming up and getting unsore around a half mile and ended up having a really good 5 mile run. Gym tomorrow! No hills today. I must have expended all of my energy the past few days.

Good first try!

Well, my gym experiment was good. And this method will give me a lot more time at the gym. But I have got to make sure that I get everything ready the night before, or I'll never make it out the door that early in the morning. One thing that didn't go well was the fact that I forgot my purse at home. Which meant I forgot my phone at home! Believe you me, I came back and got it before I went to work! So I ran a mile on the treadmill and then did TSWTH for 15 minutes. That really made me a hot, sweaty mess. Then I did leg weights, mostly variations on squats. I also did some ab stuff and back stretching exercises. And I ran hills at lunch! My weight continues to be a mystery. I told you that I was at 145 forever and then took a GIANT dip to 137. And I'm still there. For over a week. And I have been working out and watching what I eat. maybe I'll take another giant dip. I can tell that my cloths are fitting better again. Not quite right, but getting there. So I'm happy that I can feel the change. Gym again tomorrow and then back to running on Saturday.

Lonely Times!

Well, things are pretty quiet and lonely here. I miss you! I did go to the gym this morning. Did the usual cardio and then focused on upper body stuff as I'll go back tomorrow and focus on lower body stuff. I'm trying something new tomorrow. I have my food for the day packed already and my clothing. And I'm going to shower and get ready for work at the gym. And just go to work straight from there. I think it will give me about 15 minutes more time in the am when I do the gym. We shall see! My intention was to run hills at lunch today and I realized I forgot my sports bra! And then I realized I needed a new one because what I wore Sunday just tore me up. So I changed into hill gear (except the bra!) and went over to RRS. I was about to walk out of there with "seamless" bras when I saw a worker lady and asked her if those would actually solve my problem. And she gave me a resounding "no!" because this is apparently caused when the bra is too loose and so it rubs against the skin. So she helped me find one that should work. We'll see. I'll have to test it on a long run because that's the only time this happens. So I only got two hills in. But that's something!

We did it!

I'm pretty proud of us!

Good Luck To Us!

Tomorrow is the big day in San Diego!  And I hope we both have a great run!

Last Effort

Well, sort of. I am going to run hills tomorrow. Nothing too crazy. But today really was our last day before the big run Sunday. I saw that my running group (I'm affiliated with them only in that I get their emails!) is doing a 3.5 mile "shake out" run on Saturday. No thanks! I'm planning on conserving! We will be fresh and ready to run on Sunday. I went to the gym this am and did the elliptical and TSWTH. Then weights. Then I did run hills at lunch today. It was really really hard to get out of the office, let me tell you. But I'm so glad I did. That needs to be a priority. Especially before the SF run.

Late Post!

I shut off my computer last night and realized I didn't post! So here we go - better late than never. I guess. I ran 3 miles yesterday. It was one of those days where it was cold and I really didn't feel like doing it so I just did a little bit. I did, however, run hills at lunch. I'm going to try and do that again today. My weight is exactly the same again today. It is mind boggling that I'm not dropping.

Brrrr!

It was chilly out this morning! I hope it's like that on Sunday, actually, because it was pretty good running weather. I'd rather have it be cold than too hot, that's for sure. Anyway, I saw crabby old guy tonight. And I also saw a girl running in her underpants! Too bad you missed her!

San Diego Running

It's GREAT to be in San Diego!!  This morning I went for a 5 mile run down to the Kensington neighborhood and back.  I saw lots of green everything and also flowering trees and shrubs and 5 orange trees and 1 lemon tree that were all loaded with fruit.  'Tis the season!  Great run and so nice to be outside in shorts and a t shirt doing it!

Countdown!

Well, we're close, huh? I'm slowing down a bit, well, I have more than my pace! That's been slowing down for some time! But I mean I'm reducing my distance and today I ran 5 miles. I think. This morning seems like 20 years ago. So, that's what I did. It was a really nice morning. Beautiful day all day. As you know. Because you're here!

Good and Bad

I really thought I posted yesterday! Geesh, my mind was blown I think. I did run yesterday and that is the bad of this post. It didn't go well. So what is the good? Lessons learned. I planned on running 12 miles yesterday. I set out around 10 am and ended up getting 10 miles in, but it was very hard. I can count on one hand the number of times when I've had to quit and this was one of them. I actually felt sick. And, despite what the tv show The Biggest Loser seems to be teaching people, I think that if I work out to the point where I'm sick, I'm doing something very very wrong. So I finally started walking (which I never do!) at 9.71 and stopped my timer. Then I ran a bit, then I walked, then I ran. When my watch said 10 I just walked the rest of the way home. So what are my lessons learned? 1. The other day (Monday, I think) I pulled out my food diary and started getting pretty restrictive. Standard "woman diet" calorie number, but not (I think) adequate to run 10 miles running. 2. It was really really hot. Do not get me wrong, I've run in hotter weather. But I have not ran in the heat and sun for 6 months or so. So, from a conditioning standpoint, I just wasn't ready for the heat. 3. I got very dehydrated very quickly. I think this was heat related. I had water (and coffee) in the morning and I had my pack with me so that's 32 ounces of water to which I added electrolyte tablets. But I was done with that around mile 8 and I had been drinking sparingly since mile 5 because I realized it wouldn't last. So those are all bad things. But the good thing is that this happened a week before the race. I have time to fix what I need to fix. I've upped my calories so that will help. And we will not have to worry about the heat on Sunday because we are starting so early. If the race started at 10 am, yes, I'd be worried. But I really don't think we will have to contend with that on Sunday.

Short One

I did a 3 mile run this morning. I was/am pretty darn sore but just wanted to do something because it was on my schedule. I did not run hills, though, because I am doing a big run tomorrow and wanted to conserve some energy for that. Feeling less heart sore about last night and just irritated. I feel like I was not listened to.

Bah

I had a really good run this morning. I did 7 miles. Similar pace as I have been, but that's ok. It was cold this am and pretty dreary! Looked like it had recently been raining, but it was fine for running. But, let me tell you, I did not have fun at pilates tonight. At all. I'm totally embarrassed to say this, but I actually almost cried. I have no strength left at all. Frankly, it was really depressing. We did a private session because the other ladies couldn't make it tonight. Anyway, I'm feeling really sad and frustrated tonight. I suppose I'll feel better tomorrow.