Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Last Day of June

Time: 30 min.
Distance: 1.6 miles
Avg. Pace: 18:43/mi.

It's the last day of the month, so I am excited to update my June totals in the sidebar at the right. Not as good as January when I was at my strongest, but certainly better than piddly February and March. We won't talk about April and May.

Feels good to be back in the habit of moving my body. Now if I could just get my mind wrapped around watching my food intake. It'll come. Regardless of how I am eating during the rest of the day, I am starting the morning off by eating a Fiber One bar. They are great because they give you 9 grams of fiber! They taste good, too. Right now I'm into the Oats and Strawberries with Almonds.

Now if I would just force myself into eating fruits and vegetables until it becomes a habit.

Not much else going on around here. I went and saw the movie Grown Ups yesterday. It was pretty funny. I ended up sitting by an old couple, and I kept sneaking looks at the old man. He didn't seem to think the movie was funny at all, and he never once laughed or even smiled. I guess he didn't like the humor. Probably not the best choice of movies for him. Me? I was laughing the whole way through. However, I'm not always the best judge of movies because it doesn't take much to make me laugh, and I am pretty easily entertained. It has to be pretty bad for me not to like it.

I also laughed (almost hysterically) as I walked up to the theater and saw a bunch of people sitting under shade tents in lawn chairs, blankets, and towels. For a second I thought maybe there was a farmer's market going on. Yes, I am that unaware sometimes. Just crazy Twilight fans. Don't get me wrong. I read and own all the books...and like them. I have also seen the first two movies, and I intend to see this one. However, there is not much on God's green earth that could get me to sit on pavement for 19 hours in 100 degree heat. And that something certainly wouldn't be a movie. Sheesh! I was cracking up with the ticket taker in the theater because I asked her if the people out there realized that it was 100 degrees outside? She said, "Oh honey, don't engage them! Don't even look them in the eye! They are crazy!" That gave me a smile the rest of the afternoon!

Today I want to go see Knight and Day. Maybe tomorrow I'll see Eclipse. Three movies in one week would be my personal record. I was talking to the priest at my church yesterday, and he saw five movies last week while on vacation. He's got me beat!

Need to go help Child #1 finish homework that he couldn't do last night because he was too busy having a meltdown. And it was very hard homework. He had to write the days of the week two times. I'm such a mean mom for making him go to summer school!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

New Skirts!

Time: 36:29 min.
Distance: 1.59 miles
Avg. Pace: 22:54/mi.


I know this was a very slow walk, but I was actually on a field trip this morning with my son and the rest of the summer school kids. We walked from our school over to the public library to check out books and watch a fun snake show.

I wanted to see how far it was there and back. It made for a nice little walk, even if it was slow and hot. I was the leader of our little pack and had to keep stopping to let everyone catch up. Didn't want to lose any kiddos along the way!


We stopped for ice cream on the walk back. I was too thirsty for ice cream, but Evan enjoyed some chocolate chip cookie dough.

Time: 31:30 min.
Distance: 2.059 miles
Avg. Pace: ? This was a treadmill run.


Okay. How is it possible that I actually run faster outside? I don't get it. I don't run faster by much, but the whole process just feels easier outside. Is it because outside my times are made up of my averages...so I am able to slow down and speed up as needed? On the treadmill it is a steady pace, and it wears me out.

In any case, it wasn't a very pleasant run tonight on my treadmill in my house at 80 degrees. However, that was better than the alternative of being outside in 95 degree heat in the dark (which I don't do).

I've never been much of a morning exerciser, but I am enjoying getting the workout done early (when it is cooler), and then it doesn't interfere with the rest of my day. When I run at night, it cuts into family time. Morning is just better all the way around. I intend to keep it up at least until school starts in August. Then I'll have to reevaluate.

But the best thing is that my two new running skirts arrived in the mail today! Yay! I wore one this evening to run, and I like it. It certainly didn't bunch up between my legs like shorts do, so that is a plus. My favorite thing to run in are my black yoga pants. Love 'em, but it's a bit too hot for those right now. Hopefully the skirts will do the trick when I start racing again.

On a totally non-running note, my two-year-old keeps coming into the room with his little toy gun saying, "Put yours hands up!" If I wasn't so irritated that he's still awake at 10 p.m., I'd be busting up laughing. He is such a character.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Starting Off Right


Pretty sunset from the other night. I wanted to see if I could capture the colors.

Time: 37:53 min.
Distance: 2.0 miles
Avg. Pace: 18:56/mi.

Today was a walk day. Instead of a 30 minute walk, I decided to do a 2 mile walk. It worked out nicely since I got up extra early. It was 78 when I left for my walk. I am sorry I continually talk about the weather and how hot it is. And I know there are many places that are much hotter than the Fresno area, but being hot makes me crazy. I can't help but fixate on it. It should not be in the upper 70's for a 6 a.m. walk! It just shouldn't!

We spent yesterday at my in-law's. It was a pleasant visit. The kids always like to see Mama and Papa. Got home, watched Army Wives, and went to bed.

This morning I am headed to my mom's house. We are going to have my dad's ashes placed out at the cemetery. There will be a tiny service for just us. Dad died over a year ago, and Mom has had his ashes on her bookshelf, but we recently realized it is hard not having a "place" to go visit to talk to him. (Standing in front of the bookshelf wasn't going to work!)

I better go make my husband's lunch and get ready so I can get out of here on time!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Starting Week 4


My baby and me at the zoo on Friday.

Time: 31:30 min.
Distance: 2.17 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:30/mi.

Today I started Week 4 of Couch to 5K. It seems to me like the program jumps rather quickly once you get to this point. I must say, running is sooooooo not easy for me. It is something I have to work at to feel comfortable with it at all. That being said, I was rather pleased with my times and paces.

Today was the first day I used the "lap reset" button on the Garmin. Today was also the first day that the program called for 1/4 miles and 1/2 miles to be run. Without getting into too much detail, I managed to keep pace with both 3-minute 1/4 -mile run segments, but I was a bit slow for the 5-minute 1/2-mile run segments. It gives me something to work towards.

I am toying with the idea of staying in this week and not progressing on until I can run the distances in the time the program suggests. I've already got the 1/4 miles down, so now I just need to work on speeding up those 1/2 miles. We'll see what I decide as the week goes on.

We are off to the in-laws today. Glad I got my run done, but it was already in the mid-70's when I set out at 7 a.m. Yuck. Wishing for winter.

Friday, June 25, 2010

End of Week 3 Running

Time: 34 min.
Distance: 2.3 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:47/mi.

I didn't increase my distance or pace, but I felt a bit stronger today. At least at the beginning of my run!

I am hoping my running skirts get here soon. Like today. I wore shorts and spent the entire run/walk yanking on them. I hate that. Not to mention that I look like a complete dork with my shorts bunched up and doing things they shouldn't be doing. Sigh.

I am spending the morning with Child #2. Normally Child #1 is always around, but he'll go to summer school this morning while #2 and I play at Target and the zoo! Later this afternoon all of us are going swimming at a friend's house.

#2 is not happy about this. I have tried to explain to him many times that he had me all to himself for three years before his brother came along (which I think he still hasn't gotten over!). He still gets me to himself more often because he goes to school where I teach. There are many afternoons where he'll hang in my classroom or we'll go get an ice cream before picking up #2. Reasoning with a 2-year-old is hard, but reasoning with a stubborn 5-year-old isn't much better. He understands perfectly. He just doesn't want to admit it.

I have got to hop in the shower so we can start our day.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Rest

I'm taking a rest day today. I stayed up too late reading blogs. Bad excuse, but it just felt good to climb back in bed and snuggle under the covers.

My massage last night was heavenly. I seriously did not want that foot massage to end.

Not much else is going on. I'm working on organizing some files at school while Child #1 is in class, I have a school meeting this afternoon, and I'm thoroughly enjoying my vacation. It's fun to work a little and play a little.

_____________

Ugh! I just realized that I forgot to pack my husband's lunch. I normally go for my run or walk and have just enough time when I get back to make his lunch before he leaves. I feel so bad! Packing his lunch is one of those things that makes me feel like I'm doing a decent job at being a wife.

Packing his lunch is a fairly recent task. Eric started a new job in April where he is in one location. Prior to that, he was traveling to see four or five clients a day. He never wanted a lunch packed because he never knew where he was going to be. Now that he has an office and a fairly routine schedule, he is able to sit at his desk and eat his ham sandwich.

I was surprised to find out that he really appreciates his lunch being packed! It means a lot to him. He said it's because he knows I care about him, and it keeps him from having to figure out what to go buy for lunch. Awwww!

Anyhow, tomorrow I'll be back on track with running and lunch packing.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Slow Walk

Time: 30 min.
Distance: 1.62 miles
Avg. Pace: 18:33/mi.

I was content to be out walking this morning, but I just wasn't feeling the fast pace. Not sure if there was anything wrong in particular, but I just didn't feel the need to zip up my pace like I have on previous walks.

My legs are still hurting from using weights two days ago. Sheesh.

It's definitely starting to heat up here. We are into the upper 90's. That makes even my 6 a.m. walks slightly warm at 70 degrees. I live for temps that are 60 and below. I just don't understand people who say they love to feel the heat on their skin. I'm sure those people don't understand me when I say I love the cold. Given a choice, I would run outside in 40 degrees rather than run in 80 degrees. Ugh. Unfortunately for me, I live in a place where we have warm weather for 7 months out of the year.

I shouldn't complain, because we have had a seriously mild May and June. We've only had to use the A/C a handful of times so far this season.

Not doing so great with food choices over the past two days. I need to get a handle on that. I'm thinking I might need to buckle down and start either counting points or calories. Points would probably be easier since I know that system. Making myself do it is another issue. Movie popcorn is becoming my downfall. Even without butter, it's got to be loaded with calories. It's hard to sit at the theater without popcorn to munch.

I saw the A-Team yesterday, and then I took Child #1 to see Toy Story 3 today. Super cute. This makes my 4th movie in less than two weeks. I love summer vacation!

At some point, I WILL do arm exercises with weights and crunches (before bed).



Child #1 got hurt at summer school. He and another kid hit hard on the blacktop while playing basketball. Poor little man was trying so hard not to cry. He's tough. At least that's what he told me as I bandaged him up.

I am getting a massage with a friend tonight. Looking forward to that!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Chuggin' Along

Time: 34 min.
Distance: 2.31 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:43/mi.

Improved my distance and average pace slightly over Sunday night's run. My legs were sore from my 16 tremendous squats yesterday. Sheesh. I am so out of shape.

This morning's run was hard. I definitely didn't feel that runner's high. I am longing for the days when I can go out and jog for 30 minutes and not feel like I am about to pass out. Right now it's just hard.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Ahhhhh, Morning

Time: 30 min.
Distance: 1.71 miles
Avg. Pace: 17:34/mi.

Had a nice morning walk listening to Bubblegum Oldies on Pandora. Most of the oldies have a peppy beat to keep me moving. A pleasant 60 degrees out this morning. Wore capri pants and a long sleeved top. Far different from last night's workout.

Stayed up way too late watching Army wives that I DVR'ed. Hard to get out of bed. Glad I did.

Came home and did a few reps of leg exercises using 5 lb. weights. I wanted to start with my 3 lb. weights, but I could only find one of the set. Children...grrrr.

I'm down four pounds as of this morning.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

I Like Morning Better

Time: 34 min.
Distance: 2.28 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:54/mi.

After being up yesterday by 5:30, out of the house by 7, and walking around a theme park all day, I was only wanting to sleep in this morning. That didn't quite happen with the two little people waking us up fairly early, but I was in no mood to go for my early morning run.

I should have gone.

I put it off and put it off and decided to wait until the evening. At 7:40 tonight, I set off. It wasn't what I'd call "hot" at 79 degrees, but it is a good 10 degrees or more cooler when I run in the morning. There are a lot more people out and about in the evening. I used to like that fact. It made me feel safer. But now I just want the solitude and peace of dawn.

Anyhow, I am glad I didn't skip the run. I really had no intention of skipping it. I just now know that when possible I need to run early.

I started Week 3 of Couch to 5K. Due to my weird and strange running rules for myself, I was out there for 34 minutes. Twelve of those minutes were running, and the rest were walking. Soon enough I'll build up to where I'm running more than I am walking.

After only two full weeks of running, I can tell that my endurance is getting better. My legs were hurting more than my lungs during the three-minute run. I haven't integrated weights as of yet, but I am going to start that this week. I started by doing 16 sit ups on my exercise ball once I got back this evening. Pathetically few, I know, but I'll build from there. Making myself do the weight training is difficult. More difficult than making myself run, and that is quite a feat.

It was an extremely lazy Father's Day, but I'm glad I ended the day with my workout.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Great Day

I have two new favorite photos.


This one is of my two boys. We surprised them this morning with a trip to a theme park called Gilroy Gardens. They were very excited to be there.


This is my 2-year-old and me while waiting in line to get on the balloon ride. It looks like Hudson is kissing me, but he was actually trying to turn his head to avoid the photo. I don't care. I like how it looks!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Over 100!

Today's run brought my total mileage for the year to over 100 miles! I know that's not huge considering we are 6 months into the year, but I love to see big round numbers in my Distance Log!

Tired of Numbered Titles

My numbered titles didn't last long. I don't like naming my posts, because I feel so much pressure to be witty. And I don't consider myself witty. We'll see what I come up with in the future.

Time: 35:06
Distance: 2.25 miles
Avg. Pace: 15:37/mi.

I alternated 1/4 mile walks and 1/4 mile jogs. In total, I ran 1 mile. Yay! Granted, it wasn't all at the same time, but I am making progress. I am going to be so ready for the Susan G. Komen this year! That reminds me, I need to sign up!

I made some really good food choices yesterday. I have received a lot of inspiration from Tricia at THIS BLOG. Her story is amazing, and I really like her way of thinking.

Last night Eric told me not to put any more Oreos in his lunch. He is taking baby steps to be healthier as well. That meant there was a half container of Oreos left. I so badly wanted to have one. I settled for popcorn. The Smart Pop left me full, and I never went back for the Oreo.


This is my go-to drink right now. Soda is one of my biggest vices. I love any and all soda. Grape, Dr. Pepper, Orange, Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Coke, Mountain Dew, you name it. Pepsi and I are in love with each other. But I am not in love with the calories. People usually tell me to drink diet, but I am also not in love with the caffeine or the headaches that come with forgetting to drink caffeine.

My problem is that I don't drink coffee. If I am addicted to caffeine, I kind of need to start my day with it. However, I don't like the idea of sipping diet Pepsi at 6:30 in the morning. Not that I haven't ever been guilty of that, but I really don't want to do it now. My only other option is to give up caffeine, and for me, it really means I need to give up soda.

Enter my new little drinking friend...Clear. I get the 1 liter bottles at Vons for 83 cents each. They have nothing in them except flavoring, and some are even enhanced with vitamins and calcium. How great is that? The best part is they are carbonated, so I feel like I am drinking soda, even though I'm drinking water. It really helps with the soda cravings.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

#9

Time: 30 min.
Distance: 1.72 miles
Avg. Pace: 17:29/mi.

Went for a walk this morning. Once again, it was a little hard to push myself out of bed. (I am on summer vacation for goodness sake!) Once again, it felt good to get up and get moving.

I haven't been feeling that great the past few days. I'm not sure if I'm getting sick or if it is problems with the air and my pseudo asthma. I put it like that because I'm not asthmatic, but back in February my doctor put me on inhalers and preventatives due to some wheezing and low oxygen intake.

In any case, whether it be sick or asthma, I've been pretty wiped out at the end of the day and falling to sleep pretty early. Which makes me even more proud of myself for getting up by 6 to go exercise.

My Little Chicken just woke up. I sure do love 2-year-old hugs in the morning! And with that, my lounge time is over. This 2-year-old doesn't sit still for a minute!


Fresno State Bulldog in the making? We hope so!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

#8

Time: 32:30 min.
Distance: 2.19 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:50/mi.

Ahhhh. Better. My time and distance were identical to that of Saturday's run, but my pace increased by 2 seconds. Not a huge deal, but it is to me! I'm going to take improvement anywhere I can get it. Another improvement was my fastest speed today was 6.4 mph, and on Saturday it was 6.0 mph, which probably accounts for the two second faster pace for today.

I was in bed and asleep by 10 last night. I had a sunburn that I got yesterday from standing outside at a funeral, I had a raging headache, and my breathing was and is giving me trouble. I took some ibuprofen, my Advair, and my inhaler and called it a day.

It was a little hard to pull myself out of bed this morning, but I know that the first time I give in to skipping a run for a less than vital reason, the workout regiment will fall to pieces. That's just how I am.

We are thinking of heading to the coast this weekend. I am excited at the thought of running near the ocean! That would be my idea of perfection everyday.

I was thankful for the 57 degree weather this morning. I love the weather app on my phone! I use it quite often. We are supposed to be down out of the 90s today and into the 80s. Much better than yesterday or the day before when we hit 100. Ugh.

Off to clean the kitchen from last night, take the little one to daycare, and spend quality time with the big one. We are going to go see The Karate Kid later this afternoon.


Sunset from the other night standing on my driveway. I need to remember to snap some photos. I like having photos to share in my blog posts.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

#7

Time: 30 min.
Distance: 1.62 miles
Avg. Pace: 18:33/mi.

I got up at 6 a.m. and went for a walk. It is strange for me to choose walking as my exercise activity. I never feel like I get "enough" of a workout when I just stroll along. Walking is easy. Running kills me. I need to get past that mentality of having to suffer to get a decent workout.

Today is a rest day from running, so I needed to choose something different. I didn't feel like using the elliptical, and I don't have any workout DVDs at the moment (not that I'd use them anyhow).

Even though 6 is early in the summer, I am finding that I really like my time roaming through the neighborhood. It's the quiet time before the day begins and kids need, need, need. It's time where my thoughts can wander any old way they want to. And it's cool outside. Which is the best part!

So walking it was. Plus, I took a different route than I do when I run. That changed it up a bit and got me out of my immediate neighborhood.

Monday, June 14, 2010

#6


I set out at about 6:15 this morning for my run. I got back and found my babies snuggled in bed together. The little one was asleep, and the big one was watching SpongeBob. As much as I wanted to be snuggled right in there with them, I felt good for running.

Time: 32:30 min.
Distance: 2.14 miles
Avg. Pace: 15:13 mi.

I did not improve this morning. I slipped a bit. That's okay. I felt tired, and definitely didn't push myself to go faster. I went to bed late, and even when I tried to fall asleep, I couldn't. I was also hungry.

I do love being up and out before a good portion of the neighborhood is even moving. I saw a dad taking two teenage boys to football practice at the nearby high school. Man, is it just me, or do high school sports seem waaaaayyyyy more intense than when I was participating in them?

I remember summer training starting about two weeks before school started. Um, these kids just had their last day of school on Friday, and they are already training for football. Geez. No summer vacation for kids these days!

I only saw about four people this morning. I love that! And I love that it is still cool at 6:15. Hate the summer heat, and it's starting to kick in around here.

P.S. Happy Anniversary to my friend Ann and her husband Jason. Happy Birthday to my friend Julie. And Happy Flag Day to all.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

#5

Time: 32:30 min.
Distance: 2.19 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:52/mi.

I am on to week two of Couch to 5K. Last week was run 60 second intervals and walk 90 second intervals. Today jumped it up to run 90 second intervals and walk 2 minutes. I am pleased with my times and pace.

I am more pleased about the fact that this is technically my first day of summer vacation, and I actually set my alarm for 6 a.m. and was up and out the door by 6:15! As much as I love staying up late and sleeping in, it makes me feel so unproductive and lazy. That's just not how I want to spend my summer.

Getting up early to run will hopefully keep me from falling into that oh so easy pattern of stay up til 1 a.m. and sleep til 9.

Last week I was running for a total of 9 minutes. This week's plan calls for 10 1/2 minutes of running. I felt more tired, but I love knowing I'm getting stronger. I always get anxious to do more and more at the early stages, but I'm forcing myself not to jump ahead and do too much. I had hip and foot pain when I started this last fall. I'd rather not go through that again.


These are the flowers out in front of my house. They are my agapanthus, and every year I wait for them to "pop!" And they are popping because it is warming up!


My 5-year-old is now my partner in counting the buds that are going to bloom. Each day I get a new report from him that there are 19 flowers about to pop! I love this purple flower!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

#4

Time: 31 min.
Distance: 2.12 miles
Avg. Pace: 14:37/mi.

I was surprised that I again improved on my distance and pace. I was pretty tired after an all day field trip at the water park. Not that I did anything more taxing than sitting on a lawn chair, but being in the sun is draining.

It's also windy here tonight, so I felt like that was hampering my stride.

I'm certainly pleased to shave more seconds off my pace. Once again...yay! Even with being tired and sun-drained, it felt good to be out in the neighborhood running with my thoughts.

And now for a gross picture!


This is the blister I got on my first run on Sunday morning. Luckily it never popped, and I was able to let it heal without it causing me any pain. It was pretty funky to see, though!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

#3

Time: 31 min.
Distance: 2.06 miles
Avg. Pace: 15:03/mi.

I love seeing immediate improvement! I shaved over a minute off my average pace time, and I ran over a tenth of a mile further in the same 31 minute time frame. Yay me!

Monday, June 7, 2010

#2

31 minutes on the elliptical. I like my elliptical, but it doesn't give distance in miles. It gives distance in pedaling. That doesn't help me in calculating how far I've traveled. So that sucks.

I'm debating whether or not I should make up some random distance to equate to my elliptical workouts. It always feels like cheating when I do that. I'll think about it.

Not the easiest workout because I was crying throughout most of it. Tomorrow is the first anniversary of my dad's death. Crying and exercising don't go together very well.

On a happy note, I bought new socks, and I like them. How's that for random?

Sunday, June 6, 2010

#1

Time: 31:00 min.
Distance: 1.92 miles
Avg. pace: 16:10/mi.

I don't want to get all wordy. I went for a run this morning. It felt good. I wasn't as slow as I thought I'd be. I'm irritated with myself for quitting running for three months. I'm irritated I gained back all the weight I'd lost.

I don't want to ramble about new beginnings and fresh starts and found motivation. I just want to run and get myself back in shape. I'm hoping this morning was the start of that. But then, I guess that would be up to me to make it happen.


I don't like this photo, but maybe if I keep running, I'll get to the point where I do like photos of myself again. Wore this shirt for the first time. I got it for my birthday in FEBRUARY.


I went out for 31 minutes. I know it's a weird amount of time, but there are reasons for it. Reasons that are definitely not interesting to anyone but me. I do love my Garmin, however. I love knowing exactly how far I've gone, exactly what my pace is, and exactly how long I've been running. Today's run was a mix of 9 minutes of running and 22 minutes of walking. Considering the amount of time spent walking, I wasn't unhappy with my pace.


This is where the little dog was found when I got back at 7 a.m. What a life.