Saturday, February 20, 2010

I Really Love Races

Running Log:
1.96 mile race - 23:42 min.
12:06 pace



At the last minute I entered a race this morning. I've known about the race for months, but never mailed in the registration. Then after getting sick last weekend, I wasn't sure if I'd feel up to it.

However, we were all up early this morning, and I was feeling pretty good...aside from the fact that I hadn't run in 10 days. I figured I'd use this to get my motivation back. I think it worked!

Even though I ran terribly slow, I felt good being out on the course. I loved watching the other runners go by. I smiled because even though I am slow, I have the ability to move my legs and do something not everybody can do.

It was good to get out there.

My 5-year-old also ran this morning. I wrote about it on my family blog HERE. I keep saying that I am living vicariously through him, because the chances of me ever winning a medal are slim to none! It is so exciting to see him succeed.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Last Day of 34



Running Log:
2.183 miles - 32 min.

I enjoyed my run tonight. I was challenged a bit, but not to the point of frustration. Hee hee. That reminds me of kids' reading levels. As teachers, we try to get kids reading books that are a bit challenging, but not too frustrating, otherwise they give up. I need to apply teaching lessons to my running more often!

I have upped my speed for the month of February, but I am not running as far as I was towards the end of January. I capped my run at 4 intervals of 4 minutes each tonight.

And today was my last day of being 34. Tomorrow I am smack dab in the middle of my 30's. It doesn't seem possible to be 35. How can I be 35 when I still feel like I'm in my 20's? My 20 year high school reunion is in 3 years! That seems even more impossible than being 35.

One neat thing about this time in my life is that I am making my health a priority once more. I don't know that I can say I've never been in better shape. I was in pretty decent shape back in high school, but I didn't run. That I can say is better now. I never liked to run when I was a teenager. My body was certainly better back then, but that younger version body didn't give birth to two amazing boys. Sometimes when I look at the stomach I don't like, I remind myself that two babies lived where that pooch is. It doesn't mean I wouldn't love to get ride of that pooch, but I am trying to be a bit more forgiving of myself.

I am also proud of how long I have stuck with running. I think I started back in August when I began training for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Ever since then, I've been hooked on entering races. It is so much fun! And in order to do well at races, I need to continue running to get better!

A lot has happened during my 34th year of life. Many health scares for my husband, my dad died, my sister is divorced, and we are all adapting to changes. I can only hope that year 35 will bring as many blessings as I have received in the past.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

OK to ease back

Running Log:
2.133 miles - 30 min.

I am giving myself permission to build back up to where I was. With that, tonight I ran at a 4.9 clip on the treadmill for 20 minutes. I probably could have gone longer, but I wouldn't have felt good. I was sufficiently tired after 20 minutes and felt like it's a good start to build my endurance up.

In short, not my best, but I am perfectly okay with it. I am still aiming for 1,000 miles this year, but that can't always be my focus. I was getting too upset at being behind in mileage for the month. I need to relax about it. I'll either get there or I won't.

Tonight's short run felt good.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Rescue

Running Log:
2.67 miles

I set out today thinking I'd get in 4 miles. In fact, my parting words to Eric were, "I'm going to run 4 miles, if not 4.5." well, that didn't happen.

I was pretty tired right from the start, so I started running 1/4 miles, and then I'd walk for .05 miles. That got me up to the 2 mile point. I really should have turned around at 1.5 or even sooner.

As soon as I hit 2 miles, I stopped to give myself a small break. Bad idea because I felt like throwing up, and I got really dizzy and lightheaded. I considered (for about 2 1/2 seconds) turning around and completing my last 2 miles, but instead I just walked straight. I called Eric to see if he could come get me. He did.

I walked slowly for another .25 miles until Eric pulled up. I guess taking a week off is different when you have to take a week off because of not feeling well. I am going to have to build my stamina and miles back up. It just stinks because just a few weeks ago I was on such a high after running 4 miles. Now I feel like I've taken 10 steps back.

I think I'm going to go lie down. I have a few things I need to get done before the SuperBowl starts. Go Saints!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

I'm Back

Running Log:
2 miles - Just under 32 min.

Tonight's run was a mish mash of running, walking, inclines and various speeds. I took a week off due to not feeling well. My throat is still hurting, but I knew if I didn't get back to the running, I might completely lose my motivation.

The only goal I had tonight was to get 2 miles done. I didn't really care how I got it done, and I actually started out thinking I'd just walk the whole thing and throw in some inclines.

However, about 10 minutes into walking, I started getting really bored! I figured I might as well throw in some running to make the time go by faster. Surprisingly, I felt pretty good. Not super, but good. Good enough. Good enough to remind me of how I like this feeling of pushing my body.

I was starting to feel like a real slug there on my week off. The one thing I really regret now is that my miles are completely behind for my 1,000 mile goal. I am going to try not to worry about that so much. It's a goal, and there is plenty of time to get to that goal over the course of the next 11 months.

As for my monthly health goals...um, not so good. I have not touched a soda since the day after Christmas, and I have not had caffeine for longer than that. I was supposed to start counting points this month, which basically means that I pay close attention to what goes in my mouth. Didn't happen. I've been eating pretty much anything I want. Not good. I'm not even sure I want to count points this month. I might switch it up and be sure to take my vitamins. I haven't been because of the sore throat, but I can finish out the month strong with that one and start counting points in March.

Besides, Lent is fast approaching, and I plan to give up candy or meat or something for Lent. That will make me feel better about flubbing the first part of my February goals. That, and I'm still super proud of not touching a drop of soda. And I really crave soda.

Sorry to have kept my three faithful readers on the edge of their seat waiting for an update here. Hopefully the rest of the month will be constant posting.