Today's Running Goal: 3 miles
Accomplished: 3 miles in 34:54 (11:38 miles)
I hate to be the one to say it, but I have become a running super-star. I was dreading tonight's run all day. Since I haven't run in a week I was worried I wouldn't be able to do all three miles. I still am not back to feeling 100% perfect. And I have been awake since 5:00 this morning because I am so stressed out about work. However, all the other conditions were perfect: the weather, Hannah's running attitude, the new road/trail we found to run on. I can't believe that I was able to run three miles and still had plenty of energy for more. Hannah on the other hand had given it everything she had. I think she'll have to be my "short run" running partner. Now I need to prepare for me 4.5 mile run this weekend, and come up with something to think about during those 55-ish minutes. Music really can't keep me occupied that long. I just wish that I had a running partner that could keep up with me, but who I wouldn't be holding back. And that could talk!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Back At It
After taking five days off from working out to recuperate from this cold, I forced myself to go back tonight. I was about to bail because I wasn't feeling perfect yet and I was stressed out about work and all the things I have to get done with no time to do them. But I knew that Brandy and Jennifer were planning on getting to the gym tonight so I made myself go as well. And I felt much better afterward. That is not because I was completely soaking wet from the humidity and kick-ass workout we did. I was still sweating an hour after kickboxing was over. I hope they plan on turning on the air-conditioning soon. Sometimes I think the best cure for sickness is sweating it out. Other times I think sleep is the answer. Only having worked out two hours as of Wednesday is a little behind for me. So I am going to make myself get to the gym after work tomorrow, even though it's an eleven hour day. I don't have plans for Friday night yet either, so I think I will make sure working out is part of whatever they do end up being. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I will be able to do somethings outside. I am not sure what to do about my running this week. I'm thinking that I should do three miles tomorrow evening, but I don't want to do it inside. And I don't want to run alone in the dark. I wonder what Hannah is doing!?!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Excellent News
Today I found out that the third BodyPower class is officially coming to Goodyear. I believe that it begins a week from Saturday, which of course I have to work, but at least it will be here soon. Ann is going to teach it and it will be from 10:20-11:20 every Saturday. It seems kind of late, seeing as the day will be half over before I get home and showered and ready. But on the other hand it will allow me to sleep in on Saturdays and still make it to class. Or I could get up early and go for CardioBlast which is right before it. Or if I wanted to run I could go and do that before weight lifting. If I was really motivated I could take Yoga, CardioBlast and BodyPower all in a row. What a way to get a lot of working out done in one day. Either way, I am excited that there will be a chance for me to get three weight lifting sessions in again. I feel like now I might be able to get my weights up to what they were last year, and really get my muscles in their best possible shape. Just in time for summer and those upcoming weddings!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Five Weeks Away
I had a great week. I was down four pounds this morning. Placing me at 13 left to go. I am getting fairly close to my challenge goal weight (probably only have a few pounds left) and am feeling good with the five weeks I have left. As long as the scale keeps heading in the right direction, doesn't decide to turn around or stand still for the next five weeks I should be okay. But what I would truly love is to be at my goal weight by June 1st. That's only five weeks away and I still have 13 pounds to go, so I am pretty sure that it's not going to happen. And I realize that it is not a healthy goal. But if I could be within just a few pounds of it, that would make me happy too. I am most worried that this huge loss this week is due to my cold and the lack of nutrients I have taken in in the last few days and even a loss of muscle mass. But then I think of the incredible weight of my head and all the snot that must be stuck up there, and I think, I could be down another two pounds if that would just drain out. (Sorry, that was pretty gross, but I am just so tired of being sick.)I think that I am skipping the gym this evening to attend three soccer games of various children in my life. It falls on a good day, since I am in no condition to do any heavy cardio. However, with this dreary weather, the games could be cancelled and I can't afford to miss too much gym time. Perhaps I would make it just for weight lifting. I have tomorrow off from work, but am not sure if I will be able to run or not. Please cold, just go away!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Seventy Hours
I skipped the gym on Friday because I wasn't feeling well and needed to take a nap after work. I skipped the gym on Saturday because I was sick and needed to sleep in until at least 11:00 and then I was too busy the rest of the day to make it there. I had meant to make it to the gym this afternoon some time, but again I was too sick to get out and about. So I just slept the day away in my house. I only made it to six hours of workout time this week, but that does make my total for the last seven weeks to be seventy hours. Which is quite an accomplishment.
Although I wasn't very hungry most of the day (blame the bad cold that I have) I only wanted to eat bad foods. For the most part I don't keep crap-food in my house so I won't be able to eat it. But somehow I managed to find chips, chocolate and peanut butter today. Luckily I accompanied it with meals of fruit and veggies left over from last night's dinner party. I am excited to see what the scale says tomorrow morning.
Although I wasn't very hungry most of the day (blame the bad cold that I have) I only wanted to eat bad foods. For the most part I don't keep crap-food in my house so I won't be able to eat it. But somehow I managed to find chips, chocolate and peanut butter today. Luckily I accompanied it with meals of fruit and veggies left over from last night's dinner party. I am excited to see what the scale says tomorrow morning.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Temptations
If you remember at the beginning of the week I was facing several temptations this week. Here's how I did:
1) Donuts in the breakroom. I managed to skip those with no problem, after I ate lunch I read outside of the breakroom so I wouldn't be tempted. I love when the weather gets nice so I can start taking my lunch outside. It also cuts down on the number of people who come back to ask me questions when I am on my break. Unfortunately, I got frustrated later in the day and had nobody to talk to about it, which made me even more frustrated and I turned to the mini-cheesecake bites in the refrigerator. When my boss had told me about them, I immediately told myself that I could pass them up, but it turned out I couldn't. At least they were only four bites.
2) Staff training day snacks and lunch. Usually I would have skipped breakfast at home so that I had calories left over for the breakfast they provide: breads, pastries, etc... Instead this year I ate my healthily breakfast at home and then didn't bother to even look at the breakfast table at the training event. I also skipped the staff dessert tables available at lunch by telling myself that I would regret it later. I did partake in the afternoon snack of popcorn, I figured that was healthy enough. I also enjoyed a few small candy bars which I realize aren't good for you, but I was rewarding myself for the rest of the day. At lunch, I made sure to choose the smallest meal possible, with lots of veggies. I was able to keep lunch to 450 calories!
3) Not eat out until I reach the 14 pound mark. On Friday morning I happened to be down to this point. I knew I didn't want to blow it with all the weekend festivities, yet when Jennifer suggested La Paz for dinner I was ready to cave in. Then we remembered that we had wanted to try the new grilled fish options at Long Johns Silvers. They were excellent and all for 350 calories. I even had enough calories left for the day to have a small ice cream cone.
4) Cake at Elijah's birthday party. It looked yummy, but I knew it would make me happier to be lower on the scale then the 5 minutes it would talk me to eat it. And Brandy didn't pressure me to eat it. That was nice. I enjoyed one lick of frosting... 20 calories?
5) Dinner Party at Jen's House. Another successful temptation. She made some excellent Coconut Shrimp from a weight watchers cookbook. Jennifer and I brought lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. I made sure to fill up on those. And although I probably had too many pieces of cheese and could have easily skipped the dessert. I still limited my calories well and got lots of healthy vitamins and fiber from the produce!
I have to make it through one more day this week. But I am pretty sick and plan to spend Sunday sleeping the day away in my bed. That shouldn't be bad for my weight. Although I will miss my weekly long run. I was scheduled to do another 4 mile run tomorrow. Instead, I think I will do the long run on Tuesday, assuming I am better, and skip the 2 mile run for next week. I need to be ready to get up to 4.5 by next Sunday. I don't have enough weeks to be sick too long. I guess that's another reason I should skip it tomorrow.
1) Donuts in the breakroom. I managed to skip those with no problem, after I ate lunch I read outside of the breakroom so I wouldn't be tempted. I love when the weather gets nice so I can start taking my lunch outside. It also cuts down on the number of people who come back to ask me questions when I am on my break. Unfortunately, I got frustrated later in the day and had nobody to talk to about it, which made me even more frustrated and I turned to the mini-cheesecake bites in the refrigerator. When my boss had told me about them, I immediately told myself that I could pass them up, but it turned out I couldn't. At least they were only four bites.
2) Staff training day snacks and lunch. Usually I would have skipped breakfast at home so that I had calories left over for the breakfast they provide: breads, pastries, etc... Instead this year I ate my healthily breakfast at home and then didn't bother to even look at the breakfast table at the training event. I also skipped the staff dessert tables available at lunch by telling myself that I would regret it later. I did partake in the afternoon snack of popcorn, I figured that was healthy enough. I also enjoyed a few small candy bars which I realize aren't good for you, but I was rewarding myself for the rest of the day. At lunch, I made sure to choose the smallest meal possible, with lots of veggies. I was able to keep lunch to 450 calories!
3) Not eat out until I reach the 14 pound mark. On Friday morning I happened to be down to this point. I knew I didn't want to blow it with all the weekend festivities, yet when Jennifer suggested La Paz for dinner I was ready to cave in. Then we remembered that we had wanted to try the new grilled fish options at Long Johns Silvers. They were excellent and all for 350 calories. I even had enough calories left for the day to have a small ice cream cone.
4) Cake at Elijah's birthday party. It looked yummy, but I knew it would make me happier to be lower on the scale then the 5 minutes it would talk me to eat it. And Brandy didn't pressure me to eat it. That was nice. I enjoyed one lick of frosting... 20 calories?
5) Dinner Party at Jen's House. Another successful temptation. She made some excellent Coconut Shrimp from a weight watchers cookbook. Jennifer and I brought lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. I made sure to fill up on those. And although I probably had too many pieces of cheese and could have easily skipped the dessert. I still limited my calories well and got lots of healthy vitamins and fiber from the produce!
I have to make it through one more day this week. But I am pretty sick and plan to spend Sunday sleeping the day away in my bed. That shouldn't be bad for my weight. Although I will miss my weekly long run. I was scheduled to do another 4 mile run tomorrow. Instead, I think I will do the long run on Tuesday, assuming I am better, and skip the 2 mile run for next week. I need to be ready to get up to 4.5 by next Sunday. I don't have enough weeks to be sick too long. I guess that's another reason I should skip it tomorrow.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Guess I'm Sick
As the day progressed I came to the realization that I was not just sore and achy from running this morning, but instead I am coming down with a cold. And I hate this feeling more than anything, because I don't want to be sick; I don't want to slow down; I don't want to postpone my life to get better. But there is nothing I can do about it, except take some pills to mask the pains, and get lots of sleep. However, it's 3am right now and I can't sleep. I went to bed early tonight, slept about 3 hours (10:30 to 1:30) and then I was wide awake. I should probably get back to sleep now. I have an early morning on Friday and a long day of work training to sit through.
Butts and Guts was a hard class. There were several times when I couldn't do all the moves the instructor wanted us to do. Steven taught the class; he isn't my favorite. And I absolutely hate when an instructor expects us to do more than they do. When they spend more of the class telling us what to do and walking around the room I am not motivated. What motivates me is that Marika is working out five times harder than I ever could. I am inspired by her energy and ability. I just resent teachers who give up but expect me to keep going. They should have called the class Butts, Guts and Thighs. I think I spent more time working my quads doing squats than I did my rear. And the majority of the class was abs, which is fine, but not exactly what I was hoping for. Perhaps if you keep taking it week after week they concentrate on various things. I do think that my legs and abs will be sore tomorrow. They were sore when I left class, and even more sore by the time I went to bed. Maybe the cold medicine will mask that pain too! I would definitely go back. I will have to consider the benefits of changing my work schedule begining in June. I don't really want to be tied to the gym three nights a week in the summer. Especially since I will have to work the fourth night of the week. I have to have a life you know. Although, if you assume that I do not have a life, I might as well be spending my free time in the gym.
I am taking Friday off from the gym. I need some time to recuperate from this cold, or at least prevent it from getting any worse. And it's looking like I will need to sleep on Friday evening, since I'm not doing it right now!
Butts and Guts was a hard class. There were several times when I couldn't do all the moves the instructor wanted us to do. Steven taught the class; he isn't my favorite. And I absolutely hate when an instructor expects us to do more than they do. When they spend more of the class telling us what to do and walking around the room I am not motivated. What motivates me is that Marika is working out five times harder than I ever could. I am inspired by her energy and ability. I just resent teachers who give up but expect me to keep going. They should have called the class Butts, Guts and Thighs. I think I spent more time working my quads doing squats than I did my rear. And the majority of the class was abs, which is fine, but not exactly what I was hoping for. Perhaps if you keep taking it week after week they concentrate on various things. I do think that my legs and abs will be sore tomorrow. They were sore when I left class, and even more sore by the time I went to bed. Maybe the cold medicine will mask that pain too! I would definitely go back. I will have to consider the benefits of changing my work schedule begining in June. I don't really want to be tied to the gym three nights a week in the summer. Especially since I will have to work the fourth night of the week. I have to have a life you know. Although, if you assume that I do not have a life, I might as well be spending my free time in the gym.
I am taking Friday off from the gym. I need some time to recuperate from this cold, or at least prevent it from getting any worse. And it's looking like I will need to sleep on Friday evening, since I'm not doing it right now!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Must Slow Down
Today's Running Goal: 2 miles
Accomplished: 2 miles in 22:21 (11:10 miles)
I think I ran too fast. I was gasping for breath most of the run and I kept thinking, when is this going to get easier. Well, maybe it would if I would slow down a little. Jennifer met me this morning for an early run. Chances are she won't be doing that again. She walked most of it because of this mysterious pain in her right side. But at least she was there. Truthfully I took two breaks on the run (pushing pause on my Ipod, and thus stopping the time). Once to talk to Jennifer for a few seconds and another time when I had to cross a busy rush-hour-traffic street. That was probably a 30-second pause. And I am sure that helped me be able to run a little faster. I didn't mean to do it that fast, and now I see no room for improvement in the next few weeks. A computerized lady on my Nike Chip informed me that I had set a personal record for best mile time: 10:46. I'm not sure if that was the first mile or the second. But like I said, it was too fast. Besides gasping for air, I began to feel a little nauseous as I passed Runza and could smell whatever thing they were baking that early in the morning. And now that I have been at work for two hours I still feel a little sick to my stomach. And my body seems really achy. My legs must have gotten a hard workout too. Anyway, I am going to chalk this up to being a fluke and not let it ruin my progression. It just reinforced a running mantra I already knew: slow and steady wins the race. Well, not wins, but finishes without puking!
Tonight is the first Thursday evening that I don't have to work since September. I am taking two hours of vacation to get out of it, but still, it's a night off. And to celebrate I am trying a new gym class: Butts and Guts. I'm pretty sure you can figure out what that's going to be all about. I just don't need my butts or my guts hurting tomorrow when we have our all-staff training day and I have to sit for eight hours. And give some presentation. I'll let you know how the class goes, and if I love it enough to rearrange my schedule and work Tuesday evenings instead of Thursdays this summer. I don't imagine that it is much cardio, but if it gives me a shapely derriere, it just might be worth it.
Accomplished: 2 miles in 22:21 (11:10 miles)
I think I ran too fast. I was gasping for breath most of the run and I kept thinking, when is this going to get easier. Well, maybe it would if I would slow down a little. Jennifer met me this morning for an early run. Chances are she won't be doing that again. She walked most of it because of this mysterious pain in her right side. But at least she was there. Truthfully I took two breaks on the run (pushing pause on my Ipod, and thus stopping the time). Once to talk to Jennifer for a few seconds and another time when I had to cross a busy rush-hour-traffic street. That was probably a 30-second pause. And I am sure that helped me be able to run a little faster. I didn't mean to do it that fast, and now I see no room for improvement in the next few weeks. A computerized lady on my Nike Chip informed me that I had set a personal record for best mile time: 10:46. I'm not sure if that was the first mile or the second. But like I said, it was too fast. Besides gasping for air, I began to feel a little nauseous as I passed Runza and could smell whatever thing they were baking that early in the morning. And now that I have been at work for two hours I still feel a little sick to my stomach. And my body seems really achy. My legs must have gotten a hard workout too. Anyway, I am going to chalk this up to being a fluke and not let it ruin my progression. It just reinforced a running mantra I already knew: slow and steady wins the race. Well, not wins, but finishes without puking!
Tonight is the first Thursday evening that I don't have to work since September. I am taking two hours of vacation to get out of it, but still, it's a night off. And to celebrate I am trying a new gym class: Butts and Guts. I'm pretty sure you can figure out what that's going to be all about. I just don't need my butts or my guts hurting tomorrow when we have our all-staff training day and I have to sit for eight hours. And give some presentation. I'll let you know how the class goes, and if I love it enough to rearrange my schedule and work Tuesday evenings instead of Thursdays this summer. I don't imagine that it is much cardio, but if it gives me a shapely derriere, it just might be worth it.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Speed Racer
Today's Running Goal: 3 miles
Accomplished: 3 miles in 36:18 (12:06 miles)
Yippy-skippy. I think I can finally say that I have improved my time. Which is funny because all fall I was working on improving my 5k speed by running intervals and hills, and really all I needed to do was run more consistently. Perhaps there is a place for both in a good training routine. But it appears that when I am worried about distance and not speed, that is when my speed improves. I had planned on getting up early and going running with Jennifer before she had to go to work today (I have the day off). But she didn't sleep well and wasn't ready to get up that early. So instead I had to do it myself this afternoon. I was torn between using the trail to run, because I haven't done that in so long and running with Hannah because she is such a great running partner. It turned out that I had so much to do today that I didn't have time to drive all the way over to my mom's house. So I ran on the trail. It was pretty difficult. The part of the trail I use is slightly downhill on the way out, but just so slightly that you can't tell until you notice that it is uphill the entire way back. I ran the first mile in just a little over 11 minutes (that should have pointed the hill out to me). The second mile was more on the 12 minute mile pace, and by the third mile I was somewhere up by 13 minutes. But I guess it all averages out.
Accomplished: 3 miles in 36:18 (12:06 miles)
Yippy-skippy. I think I can finally say that I have improved my time. Which is funny because all fall I was working on improving my 5k speed by running intervals and hills, and really all I needed to do was run more consistently. Perhaps there is a place for both in a good training routine. But it appears that when I am worried about distance and not speed, that is when my speed improves. I had planned on getting up early and going running with Jennifer before she had to go to work today (I have the day off). But she didn't sleep well and wasn't ready to get up that early. So instead I had to do it myself this afternoon. I was torn between using the trail to run, because I haven't done that in so long and running with Hannah because she is such a great running partner. It turned out that I had so much to do today that I didn't have time to drive all the way over to my mom's house. So I ran on the trail. It was pretty difficult. The part of the trail I use is slightly downhill on the way out, but just so slightly that you can't tell until you notice that it is uphill the entire way back. I ran the first mile in just a little over 11 minutes (that should have pointed the hill out to me). The second mile was more on the 12 minute mile pace, and by the third mile I was somewhere up by 13 minutes. But I guess it all averages out.
I am really enjoying the fact that three miles is a "short run" now compared to the four miles I did the other day. I suppose before the race I should attempt to run seven or eight miles, so that the 6.2 seems like nothing. I am getting a little worried about the Havelock run because several people have mentioned how difficult the course is. Apparently it is "all uphill". But I just think: these people haven't run in Atlanta!
I don't want to jinx it, but I was down a pound this morning. I did very good at eating lightly today, so I am hoping it sticks around. And not to sound greedy, but perhaps it will be joined by another pound loss!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Six Weeks Away
My challenge is over in six weeks, and my scale has not moved since the second week. Six weeks wasted with this silly seventeen pounds that will not go away. I promised myself that I would be at fourteen by today, and I let myself down. Now I am going to starve myself. Well, not literally. But I am done allowing myself to eat snacks. I am going to eat protein bars for two meals certain days of the week. I will increase the intensity of my workouts and I will not eat out until I get to that fourteen pound mark. I have several obstacles to overcome this week: 1) the donuts that are sitting on the break room table 2) the all-staff training day Friday, where snacks are the only thing that get me through the eight hours of sitting still and we all go out to lunch as a group 3) the 7 year old birthday party I am going to on Saturday when I am certain cake will be served and 4) the dinner party I am invited to Saturday evening, although I am sure we will try to keep it healthy. Other than that, work should be low stress for me this week; I only have to work three days. The weather should be beautiful and cooperate with my outdoor runs. I am planting a garden with my mom on Tuesday, which eventually we encourage me to eat healthy veggies. Those three pounds WILL disappear this week. I'm done playing around.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Four Miles All Alone
Today's Running Goal: 4 miles
Accomplished: 4 miles in 49:10 (12:16 minute miles)
When I ran my first mile Curtis was there to celebrate with me (all the way to Blue Sky). When I made it through my first 5k, Curtis, Jennifer and my mom were there to cheer me on. During my next two 5ks I had friends running with me and waiting at the finish line. Even last week when I finally made it past three miles to three-point-five, Brandy was there to give me a high-five. But this morning when I made it four miles... I was all alone. I had planned on doing the run with Hannah this evening after work. But I thought to myself I would rather get up early, and be proud of myself all day, then wait until after work and dread it all afternoon. So now I am pretty proud of myself. I am most amazed that I kept up that 12-minute-mile pace (well almost) with the crazy wind gusts that were blowing, and the hilly neighborhood that I live in. Honestly I was no more tired after four miles than I was after the first half-mile. I wasn't breathing any heavier or more sweaty (the wind helped). Now my legs are super-tired and I could tell that they were wearing out more than my lungs were. I have been waiting for this day to come!
Another good week with seven hours of working out. I was able to pass a huge milestone. And yet no progress on my weight. It has been the same all week except for a day when it went up two pounds. Nothing I do today will push it down. Although I did attend a celebration/work event and get away with only eating three bites of cheesecake and some fruits and vegetables. I am planning to have dinner at Subway with my mom. It might just happen that the scale will be nice tomorrow morning. Either way I know that I am a super-star!
Accomplished: 4 miles in 49:10 (12:16 minute miles)
When I ran my first mile Curtis was there to celebrate with me (all the way to Blue Sky). When I made it through my first 5k, Curtis, Jennifer and my mom were there to cheer me on. During my next two 5ks I had friends running with me and waiting at the finish line. Even last week when I finally made it past three miles to three-point-five, Brandy was there to give me a high-five. But this morning when I made it four miles... I was all alone. I had planned on doing the run with Hannah this evening after work. But I thought to myself I would rather get up early, and be proud of myself all day, then wait until after work and dread it all afternoon. So now I am pretty proud of myself. I am most amazed that I kept up that 12-minute-mile pace (well almost) with the crazy wind gusts that were blowing, and the hilly neighborhood that I live in. Honestly I was no more tired after four miles than I was after the first half-mile. I wasn't breathing any heavier or more sweaty (the wind helped). Now my legs are super-tired and I could tell that they were wearing out more than my lungs were. I have been waiting for this day to come!
Another good week with seven hours of working out. I was able to pass a huge milestone. And yet no progress on my weight. It has been the same all week except for a day when it went up two pounds. Nothing I do today will push it down. Although I did attend a celebration/work event and get away with only eating three bites of cheesecake and some fruits and vegetables. I am planning to have dinner at Subway with my mom. It might just happen that the scale will be nice tomorrow morning. Either way I know that I am a super-star!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Running in the AM
This morning's running goal: 2 miles
Accomplished: 2 miles in 24:08
YAY! It was windy, and almost sprinkling once. But I dragged myself out of bed at 7am this morning and took Hannah for a two mile run. It was very difficult. First, the wind was so gusty and I have a hard time breathing in high winds. Something about it sucking all the oxygen from your body. Next, we chose a different route this morning because I wanted to avoid the heavy traffic that I expected the main street to have in the morning. The new route was much more hilly. So I run fast down the hill, get tired, and can hardly make it back up. Did I mention the wind? Also, Hannah wasn't on her best running behavior. She was smelling lots of things, going back and forth on the sidewalk, and over all not being the great partner I know she can be. Finally, it was 7:30 in the morning. Nothing I do that early is ever easy. Still, I made excellent time. I appear to be getting faster, at least on my shorter runs. If I can maintain that 12-minute-mile pace for the 10k, it won't take me nearly as long to complete. Seventy-two minutes seems a lot easier than seventy-eight! Now I am tired. I just have to make it through eleven hours of work! Wish me luck.
Accomplished: 2 miles in 24:08
YAY! It was windy, and almost sprinkling once. But I dragged myself out of bed at 7am this morning and took Hannah for a two mile run. It was very difficult. First, the wind was so gusty and I have a hard time breathing in high winds. Something about it sucking all the oxygen from your body. Next, we chose a different route this morning because I wanted to avoid the heavy traffic that I expected the main street to have in the morning. The new route was much more hilly. So I run fast down the hill, get tired, and can hardly make it back up. Did I mention the wind? Also, Hannah wasn't on her best running behavior. She was smelling lots of things, going back and forth on the sidewalk, and over all not being the great partner I know she can be. Finally, it was 7:30 in the morning. Nothing I do that early is ever easy. Still, I made excellent time. I appear to be getting faster, at least on my shorter runs. If I can maintain that 12-minute-mile pace for the 10k, it won't take me nearly as long to complete. Seventy-two minutes seems a lot easier than seventy-eight! Now I am tired. I just have to make it through eleven hours of work! Wish me luck.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Just Sit Down
Today's Running Goal: ONLY 2.5 miles
Accomplished: 2.5 miles in 29:55 (11:57 miles)
Great time! And I love that I saw it as ONLY 2.5 miles. A few weeks ago that was more than I could accomplish, and now it was just a measly warm up for what's coming later this week. I had the day off and the weather was beautiful. So I went over to my mom's house and ran around the neighborhood with Hannah. It was warmer than it had been on our previous walks and the sun was out, but there was a great breeze. We ran 2.25 miles without any hesitation, but I could see that Hannah was starting to lag behind. I figured I could get her excited to finish the last lap with no problems. Just then, she pulled over into a shady yard and put on the breaks. She was exhausted. So we sat in the shade for 3 minutes to catch our breath and then finished the last .25 miles. So although technically I had a break too, and I am more than sure I could have finished it. And I was making good time the entire way through. In fact, I didn't even sprint to the finish, since I didn't want my dog to have a heart-attack. Looks like I need to get her in better shape as well. Overall though, it was a great run. I am planning on waking up early Thursday morning and running two miles with her before work (I'm dog-sitting this week, so I will be at her house anyway!) It really makes me wish that I had my own dog to run with. But then I think about how sad Hannah would be if she wasn't my number one running partner.
Then after that thirty minute workout, I went to the Library Spelling Bee and ate a healthy chicken wrap and a big serving of fries. Oh yeah, and two oatmeal bars that my mom had sitting around the house. When will I get this eating under control? At least I had diet soda, which is way better than the Margaritas that I wish I was having.
Accomplished: 2.5 miles in 29:55 (11:57 miles)
Great time! And I love that I saw it as ONLY 2.5 miles. A few weeks ago that was more than I could accomplish, and now it was just a measly warm up for what's coming later this week. I had the day off and the weather was beautiful. So I went over to my mom's house and ran around the neighborhood with Hannah. It was warmer than it had been on our previous walks and the sun was out, but there was a great breeze. We ran 2.25 miles without any hesitation, but I could see that Hannah was starting to lag behind. I figured I could get her excited to finish the last lap with no problems. Just then, she pulled over into a shady yard and put on the breaks. She was exhausted. So we sat in the shade for 3 minutes to catch our breath and then finished the last .25 miles. So although technically I had a break too, and I am more than sure I could have finished it. And I was making good time the entire way through. In fact, I didn't even sprint to the finish, since I didn't want my dog to have a heart-attack. Looks like I need to get her in better shape as well. Overall though, it was a great run. I am planning on waking up early Thursday morning and running two miles with her before work (I'm dog-sitting this week, so I will be at her house anyway!) It really makes me wish that I had my own dog to run with. But then I think about how sad Hannah would be if she wasn't my number one running partner.
Then after that thirty minute workout, I went to the Library Spelling Bee and ate a healthy chicken wrap and a big serving of fries. Oh yeah, and two oatmeal bars that my mom had sitting around the house. When will I get this eating under control? At least I had diet soda, which is way better than the Margaritas that I wish I was having.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Back to Seventeen.
One pound is from the entire mini pizza I ate on Saturday evening, plus the garlic rolls, and the crust from Steph's pizza. The other pound must be the appetizers, three desserts, and two chocolate treats I had on Easter. Either way, those two measly pounds managed to creep back on, and I found myself right back at seventeen pounds like I have been for over a month now. There are no holidays this week. No celebrations. There are a few social events I plan on attending/hosting. I am dog sitting. But this is going to be the week that I weigh in at 15 pounds when it really counts. I am making a promise to myself. By next Monday I want to be down to 14 pounds, even if it means I go to bed hungry!This week my running goals are: Tuesday: 2.5miles (with Hannah during my day off); Thursday: 2miles (with Hannah before work); Saturday/Sunday: 4miles (with help from God!). I am feeling pretty good about my running right now though. I have eight weeks (from last Saturday) until the Havelock 10k. I am on week five of a ten week plan. Now that I have made it past 3.5 miles I feel like everything is downhill from here. I am getting closer to the six mile mark every day! And because I have plenty of time to build up the endurance, I could even re-do three of the weeks if I was having trouble. But I won't be, because I am becoming a runner now!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Finally, I Made it Past Three
I had a busy Easter weekend. For some reason I got roped into cooking Easter dinner, and therefore was determined to make healthy options. I made a soup buffet: turkey chili, cooking light baked potato soup, and chicken noodle. My family was responsible for bringing appetizers and desserts. Unfortunately, the brought more desserts than I would have hoped for, and not ever very good ones at that! Anyway, I was busy all day yesterday cleaning and grocery shopping and dining out with work friends. Then busy all day today cleaning and cooking and entertaining my relatives. I went to Yoga on Saturday and stayed for 30 minutes of running. I even managed to make it to Gold's this evening to do more running. I accomplished seven hours of workouts again this week. The low weight I had managed to get to this week didn't stay around long and I don't really expect for it to be there at my weigh in tomorrow morning, especially after the Easter treats today.
Saturday's Running Goal: 2.5 miles
Accomplished: 2 miles in 26:45.
I ran out of time. Somehow I thought that I would be able to make it to Yoga and run over 30 minutes, plus the warm up and cool down, and be done by 9:45. But I was running late. It's all part of the time-warp that happens in a gym. So I had to cut my run short. I was on a very tight schedule. I had to be home by 10:00, so I could shower and be ready to meet Jennifer's family for reserving wedding things at 11:00. That's alright, I still got two miles run, albeit, very slowly. I hate the Goodyear gym, and I hate the women's fitness room even more!
Tonight's Running Goal: 3.5 miles (second try)
Accomplished: 3.5 miles 44:30
Thanks to Brandy and her bring-a-friend-even-on-holidays-when-other-gyms-are-closed gym, I got to workout after my family left this evening. I went in with low hopes and was pleasantly surprised. Brandy needed to run five miles, and I figured she could do that as fast as I could run three and a half. So I just kept running because she kept running. I told myself that it absolutely did NOT matter how fast I went. I just wanted to make it to the 3.5 mark. I didn't care if I was running slower than I could walk. But I did it. I averaged 12:41 miles, which is still a fine time. It actually was a very pleasant run. The gym was cool, I had a nice fan, and hardly any pain. I never even stopped for water. I feel so proud of myself! I can officially move on to week five now!
Saturday's Running Goal: 2.5 miles
Accomplished: 2 miles in 26:45.
I ran out of time. Somehow I thought that I would be able to make it to Yoga and run over 30 minutes, plus the warm up and cool down, and be done by 9:45. But I was running late. It's all part of the time-warp that happens in a gym. So I had to cut my run short. I was on a very tight schedule. I had to be home by 10:00, so I could shower and be ready to meet Jennifer's family for reserving wedding things at 11:00. That's alright, I still got two miles run, albeit, very slowly. I hate the Goodyear gym, and I hate the women's fitness room even more!
Tonight's Running Goal: 3.5 miles (second try)
Accomplished: 3.5 miles 44:30
Thanks to Brandy and her bring-a-friend-even-on-holidays-when-other-gyms-are-closed gym, I got to workout after my family left this evening. I went in with low hopes and was pleasantly surprised. Brandy needed to run five miles, and I figured she could do that as fast as I could run three and a half. So I just kept running because she kept running. I told myself that it absolutely did NOT matter how fast I went. I just wanted to make it to the 3.5 mark. I didn't care if I was running slower than I could walk. But I did it. I averaged 12:41 miles, which is still a fine time. It actually was a very pleasant run. The gym was cool, I had a nice fan, and hardly any pain. I never even stopped for water. I feel so proud of myself! I can officially move on to week five now!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Movement
Finally my scale went down this morning. I hit the blessed 15 pound mark. I have been at a stand-still for almost a month now (since March 16th) and finally I seem to be moving downward again. It is such a great feeling. Every morning for the last three weeks I get on the scale and hope and pray that it will move off of the 17 pound point. And always that scale just laughs at me. Sometimes it sticks out it's tongue by moving up a pound or two, but never down. I am so happy for this movement! If you remember right, this is the weight that is listed on my drivers license. I wrote a whole entry about it the very first time I hit this weight. Knowing that, I searched through my blog today to see just when that was. May 8th, 2008. Almost a full year I have wasted moving between 10 and 20 pounds. I am even more determined to let this be the last time I ever see that 15 pound number on my scale. From here on out, only lower digits! Now I just need to get through celebrating Shannon's birthday at a Pizza joint on Satruday, and that chocolate infused holiday of Easter.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
F for FAIL
Yesterday's Running Goal: 3.5 miles (the longest ever)
Accomplished: 2 miles
It was a beautiful evening. I had Hannah as a running partner. And everyone as their dog (literally) was outside. This made it very frustrating to run because every few blocks I had to avoid other animals, or kids on bikes, or old people shuffling along. Then after a mile an a half I had a ovary pain so bad I had to stop and walk a while. On top of that, I was so so so sore from Yoga/BodyPower yesterday that every step hurt. What was I thinking increasing my weights and taking a new class the day before my longest run of all time. I finished the two miles, but told myself I could have a do-over for this week. I was already a run behind. This week is shaping up to be so busy I probably won't have time to get three, let alone four, runs in. I have a little spare time in my ten-week running plan, so I am just doing four over again. I also know that there is some kind of mental block that is not allowing me to get past three miles. Anything above that seems endless. I tell myself that speed doesn't matter as long as I am running. I could be shuffling as fast as those old people, I just need to keep on tuckin'. I will make it. Sure I failed. But that is how we learn. Don't run right after work, when everyone else is outside. Don't do so many squats the day before. Don't have to get home to vote, so you need to hurry to complete the run. Perhaps it's running in the dark that I enjoy, and it isn't running with Hannah at all!
Accomplished: 2 miles
It was a beautiful evening. I had Hannah as a running partner. And everyone as their dog (literally) was outside. This made it very frustrating to run because every few blocks I had to avoid other animals, or kids on bikes, or old people shuffling along. Then after a mile an a half I had a ovary pain so bad I had to stop and walk a while. On top of that, I was so so so sore from Yoga/BodyPower yesterday that every step hurt. What was I thinking increasing my weights and taking a new class the day before my longest run of all time. I finished the two miles, but told myself I could have a do-over for this week. I was already a run behind. This week is shaping up to be so busy I probably won't have time to get three, let alone four, runs in. I have a little spare time in my ten-week running plan, so I am just doing four over again. I also know that there is some kind of mental block that is not allowing me to get past three miles. Anything above that seems endless. I tell myself that speed doesn't matter as long as I am running. I could be shuffling as fast as those old people, I just need to keep on tuckin'. I will make it. Sure I failed. But that is how we learn. Don't run right after work, when everyone else is outside. Don't do so many squats the day before. Don't have to get home to vote, so you need to hurry to complete the run. Perhaps it's running in the dark that I enjoy, and it isn't running with Hannah at all!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Who Would Have Thought
Power Yoga is super-difficult. I have been to "regular" yoga four times now, so I figured I could take a chance at Power Yoga (which is a rapid pace race through all yoga positions, worrying more about cardio ability and muscle strength than balance and positions). It was a big mistake. First, let me state: I bought the car. I even had time to make it to BodyPower. So, as I walked into weight lifting, without first taking Kickboxing, for the first time in 9 months, I thought to myself: you can use heavy weights, because you're not already tired. Turns out, I've been hiding behind that excuse, and you can't just bust out big weights because you want to. My legs were shaking half-way through squats; I'm surprised I finished. I had a lot of trouble with the 8 low lunges, and had to take a break after 4 and then jump back in. So you can imagine how hard it was to place my entire body weight on my arms, or legs when they were already super weak. Today I feel like I was hit by a truck. There is not a place on me that doesn't ache (except maybe my ears). The worst part is, as I was feeling the soreness come on last night I thought about stretching. But Yoga is all about stretching, so how do you stretch out, when the ache is coming from too much stretching?
Still, because I truly believe that the best remedy for a sore body is more exercise, and getting oxygen to those body parts, I am taking Hannah running tonight. It should be a beautiful day, after so many non-beautiful ones. I'm heading over to my mom's house right after work to get my workout in. We're up to 3.5 miles tonight, which might be more than I have ever run, straight through. I can't remember if I ever made it there when I was training for my first 5k. Probably not, I was lucky to just finish the 3.1 at that time. So assuming I make it through, a record will be broken! Then Jennifer is making me a healthy dinner while we watch The Biggest Loser. Maybe we'll eat it in my new car!!
Still, because I truly believe that the best remedy for a sore body is more exercise, and getting oxygen to those body parts, I am taking Hannah running tonight. It should be a beautiful day, after so many non-beautiful ones. I'm heading over to my mom's house right after work to get my workout in. We're up to 3.5 miles tonight, which might be more than I have ever run, straight through. I can't remember if I ever made it there when I was training for my first 5k. Probably not, I was lucky to just finish the 3.1 at that time. So assuming I make it through, a record will be broken! Then Jennifer is making me a healthy dinner while we watch The Biggest Loser. Maybe we'll eat it in my new car!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Challenge Week #6
We are eight weeks away from the end of my challenge and my weight hasn't moved since the second week. I am still stuck at 17 pounds. At least I had a great first two weeks. I am feeling bad for my co-challengers and the fact they are only one or two pounds down... or none. We're all in this together. So I want us to work together to eat healthy. No more ice cream cakes. I am 100% determined that this week I will lose two pounds. If I could just get to the 15 pound mark, I would be able to see a downhill finish line, instead of the this mountain I seem to be stuck on. However, this week is shaping up to be very stressful. I am in the process of buying a car. This is never a pleasant experience, and really is a full time job. So mixing it with the fact that I already have a full-time job and working out is my part-time job, something has to give. I took my lunch break to have the car inspected by my mechanic. I had to grab lunch somewhere close and quick. I chose Jimmy Johns, not knowing much about their menu. I figured it was close to Subway right? Wrong. My sandwich had 680 calories. That's double Subway. Luckily I did not get any chips. After work tonight I need to go make an offer on the car. I have absolutely no idea how long this will take and how emotionally tolling it will be. I hate doing things on my own. I don't want to be independent anymore. I need someone who will be there for me in these kinds of situations. It's frustrating, and depressing. But I will not turn to food. Tonight if I buy the car, I will turn to Yoga and weight lifting to celebrate, not Margaritas. And if I leave in tears because they won't work with me, I will turn to Yoga and weight lifting to de-stress, not Margaritas. If I am there all evening, I won't have time to work out at all, and that will anger me even more. On top of all that, is the fact that Easter (and choclate bunnies) is this week. I am having family over to my house, so I have to get the house spotless. My grandma is flying back from California and will want to have dinner with me. I am celebrating a friend's birthday Friday night at a swanky wine bar. But I will make smart choices.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Treadmill Turmoil
Today's Running Goal: 2 miles (left over from Friday this week)
Accomplished: 2 miles in 25:15
I was planning on going to my boring gym today and making myself run those boring two miles, when out of the blue, Brandy called me and asked me to be her guest at Gold's gym. She still has a membership there until the end of May, and she is allowed to take guests each time. So I found myself back at the old place as a visitor this time around. It seems like I never left, even though it's been over a month since I belonged. The run was difficult, but I managed to make it in just over 25 minutes, which is better than last time. But I discovered something. I might have mentioned (either on here, or to anyone who used the treadmill at Goodyear with me) that Goodyear's treadmills seem more difficult. For example, once I was walking a measly 3.4 mph and felt like I was going fast. And then every time I try to run a 12-minute-mile it is nearly impossible. Lately, since I have been running both indoors and outdoors, I don't bother to pay attention to what the treadmill says, I just run until my Ipod tells me I'm done. But with the use of my Ipod I have noticed this. Today when I was running 5.0 on the Gold's treadmill (12 minute mile pace) my Ipod said I was doing 12:21 miles. When I am at Goodyear running at the same 5.0 pace, my Ipod generally says I am doing something like 11:41 miles. There's no way my Ipod could get changed in just the few days it has been since I ran last. This is a quite a difference. Maybe not for one mile, but when you get up there to running three or four or six, it makes the difference of 4-5 minutes. And if I can't trust a treadmill, who can I trust? Well, the answer is a track. I am going to have to head over to Northeast High School sometime, and see what I can make out on their track. I'm gonna need someone to go with me.
I've had a pretty good week. I worked out 7 hours and 40 minutes including Yoga. I tried a new class at the gym. I only ate out twice, although one innocent dinner turned into a two-Margarita-night. And I promised myself I would have no ice-cream cake at bookclub last night and then ended up eating two pieces. But only because it was the best ice-cream cake I have ever had. Has it just been that long since I let myself eat ice cream? So I am not sure how my weight will be tomorrow morning. I am just praying that this is the week it decides to do something different.
Accomplished: 2 miles in 25:15
I was planning on going to my boring gym today and making myself run those boring two miles, when out of the blue, Brandy called me and asked me to be her guest at Gold's gym. She still has a membership there until the end of May, and she is allowed to take guests each time. So I found myself back at the old place as a visitor this time around. It seems like I never left, even though it's been over a month since I belonged. The run was difficult, but I managed to make it in just over 25 minutes, which is better than last time. But I discovered something. I might have mentioned (either on here, or to anyone who used the treadmill at Goodyear with me) that Goodyear's treadmills seem more difficult. For example, once I was walking a measly 3.4 mph and felt like I was going fast. And then every time I try to run a 12-minute-mile it is nearly impossible. Lately, since I have been running both indoors and outdoors, I don't bother to pay attention to what the treadmill says, I just run until my Ipod tells me I'm done. But with the use of my Ipod I have noticed this. Today when I was running 5.0 on the Gold's treadmill (12 minute mile pace) my Ipod said I was doing 12:21 miles. When I am at Goodyear running at the same 5.0 pace, my Ipod generally says I am doing something like 11:41 miles. There's no way my Ipod could get changed in just the few days it has been since I ran last. This is a quite a difference. Maybe not for one mile, but when you get up there to running three or four or six, it makes the difference of 4-5 minutes. And if I can't trust a treadmill, who can I trust? Well, the answer is a track. I am going to have to head over to Northeast High School sometime, and see what I can make out on their track. I'm gonna need someone to go with me.
I've had a pretty good week. I worked out 7 hours and 40 minutes including Yoga. I tried a new class at the gym. I only ate out twice, although one innocent dinner turned into a two-Margarita-night. And I promised myself I would have no ice-cream cake at bookclub last night and then ended up eating two pieces. But only because it was the best ice-cream cake I have ever had. Has it just been that long since I let myself eat ice cream? So I am not sure how my weight will be tomorrow morning. I am just praying that this is the week it decides to do something different.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Cardio Blast
This morning I met my friend Vern, remember Vern, for a new class. Well, a new class for me, Vern has been taking it for a year now. It's called Cardio Blast. Every time I asked people what it was, nobody really had an answer. So I was hesitant to take it. But I promised him I would. Technically I said I would try that if he tried Yoga. He didn't make it for Yoga, but I stayed anyway. It was definitely interesting. And really I can't describe it. The teacher rotates every week (there's three of them). Sometimes the class is Step, sometimes it's Kickboxing, but overall, people describe it as "Boot Camp." The first 15 minutes was kickboxing, but not to the difficulty of Marika's class. The second 15 minutes was more boot-camp-ish. We ran relay races, with hand weights, and I was so exhausted I thought that I might pass out. This was also my least favorite part of the class, because it reminded me of Jr. High PE. And that is a time and place I never want to go back to. Turns out though, I was the most fit of everyone in the class, so it wasn't so bad. The third 15 minutes was using hand-weights, and our own body weight to do muscle sculpting: leg lifts, shoulder presses, squats, etc... And the final 15 minutes was abs and cool down. I guess I would go again. It worked out nicely that it was right after Yoga, and I was already there. I would go more often if they added that third BodyPower class of the week they promised me. However, this class has cut into my running routine. I haven't been able to get my two mile run done on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. And it's looking like the weather for tomorrow is going to keep me from doing 3.5 miles outside with Hannah. So I think my plan is back everything up a bit. I will do the two mile run at the gym on Sunday, and get the 3.5 mile done later this week (Tuesday?) when the sun is back out and winter is officially over.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Torture Device
Generally, at the end of Kickboxing we spend five minutes intently working some part of the body. It is usually abs, but sometimes if she thinks we didn't work our arms enough it's shoulders. Then every once and again it is our butts. I think we've only done this three times in the year I have taken Kickboxing and last night was killer. We lie down on mats and essentially do round-house and sidekicks for five straight minutes. My butt/hip/thigh area has never been in so much pain. Even worse, today it is still suffering. But it got me thinking: what if I did this every day? Would I have a shapely behind and hip region? And would it make me a better runner? Or more able to fit into pants? And even more important, could I force myself to work through the pain when I was alone in my house. I have very little self-control.
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