Sunday, February 27, 2011

New Clothes/Furthering My Run

Distance: 4.25 miles
Time: 51:08 minutes
Run: 3.75 miles/Avg. pace in the 11-11:30 range. I messed up the Garmin and didn't get an accurate reading for the full run. Oh well. I like where I am at.

Distance 2/26: 1.0 mile

Yesterday I thought the kids had a doctor appointment. I was wrong. It got rescheduled, and I didn't change that information in my phone. Since we were on that side of town, we hit up Sports Authority to get Child #1 some track shoes.

We didn't buy the kid shoes and opted to go to the running store to get him properly fitted. I'd rather spend a little more and know that he's in proper shoes for his stride.

However, we ended up buying me some new shorts. I have two pairs that I can't stand. They always bunch up in between my legs and feel so uncomfortable. I've heard good things about Nike Tempo shorts, so when I saw them on clearance, I figured I could risk $12 to see if I liked them.

I also got an Under Armor shirt for $12. I certainly don't mind if the clothes are last season. Although the new colors and patterns for this spring are awfully cute!


For once I didn't feel hideous in shorts. I think I like them.


Child #1 wanted to test his new shoes, so I took him out on a 1/2 mile jog in the neighborhood. I wore my shorts. They didn't bunch up. I felt cute...and we all know that is important! I didn't wear the shirt because it was really cold, but I came home and changed into the shirt to do my 40 minutes on the elliptical. Again, the shorts stayed put.

Oh, and Evan did great running a 1/2 mile. We maintained a 12 minute mile pace.

Today's run was good. I felt pretty strong. I wore my new hat and held my new water bottle for this run. It is going to take some getting used to running with a water bottle, but I know it will be nice come hotter weather. It just made my hand freezing cold today. I think the boys drank more of my water than I did.


Post run. New hat. Did a good job soaking up sweat. This hat might be my new best friend. I look sad or grumpy in this photo.


So here's one with a little smile.

We had dinner at Sweet Tomatoes. Those darn blueberry muffins get me every time. I had two. I should have had one. At least I didn't have five.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Steady

Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 46 minutes
Run: 3.0 miles/5.0 speed

I ran at a steady 5.0 speed for 36 minutes. I love accomplishing what I set out to do.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Big Loss!

Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 33:10 minutes
Run: 2 miles/11:35 avg pace

Wednesdays are my "easy" training day. I was looking forward to only having to run two miles all day! I wanted to accomplish a good run after feeling like crap during yesterday's run.

Mission mostly accomplished.

Child #1 did his thing while I jumped on the treadmill. I started out at a speed of 5.5, and each minute I lowered it by a tenth. 5.5, 5.4, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0. I did this pattern two times through. That got me through the first mile. Then I started to feel a little worn out.

I finished out the second mile at a speed of 5.1.

I know I've said this before, but why oh why does 5.1 on the treadmill feel like I am sprinting, while I can easily run faster than that outside? Ugh.

*************************************************

Once I was done exercising, I took a quick bath and got ready for our Weight Watcher meeting.

Last week I gained 1.8 pounds. I don't think I even mentioned it here on the blog. It's not that I was devastated or ashamed. I just didn't write about it. I was not surprised with the gain at all. Field trip pizza, surprise birthday party from kids, birthday hot wings, getting sick, and eating comfort food in the form of Olive Garden bread sticks added up to a gain.

However, I redoubled my efforts and got back to basics this week. And it paid off!

I lost 6.2 pounds this week! That brings me to a total of 25.8 pounds lost! Wow! I got my 25 pound charm. Funny how much those little things mean to me. Between the husband and me, we have lost nearly 60 pounds together! That's equivalent to our 6-year-old!

Oh it feels so good to lose and lose big! It also feels good to work hard throughout the week and make good choices and SEE RESULTS!

Decent run. Fantastic loss. Good day.

Oh, and my 8th graders did well on their Constitution Test. That also made my day!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Ugh

Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 45:42
Run: 3.0 miles at a mostly 5.1 speed

Today was one of those workouts where I really had to talk myself into getting on the treadmill. It was one where I really had to remind myself of my favorite saying that "you never regret the runs you do, but you regret the ones you don't."

Three miles are in the books. It wasn't pretty. I even had to stop the treadmill for a bit and walk a few laps around the island in the kitchen. Then I got back on and slogged through 3/4 of a mile more.

I don't know. I sort of feel like I could have vegged on the couch and not regretted it tonight! Eh, that's not really true. As always, I am glad I ran.

I am feeling the effects of a terrible headache from earlier today. I am also wishing for my weekend back. I'm just feeling whiny.

Okay, enough blathering. Run is done. I'm not officially training for the half yet, but I'm going to do week 1 for two or three weeks until the real training starts. Tomorrow is only two miles. I am looking forward to that!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Good Day

Distance: 4.0 miles
Time: 3.5 miles of running with an average pace of 11:17

A great friend of mine took me out to the movies and lunch for my birthday. We saw Just Go With It. We both liked it. Very cute.

Then we had tepan yaki. Good stuff. I ate every bite.

Husband and I had talked about a run/bike ride for the late afternoon. We loaded up the bikes and headed over to the trail where I had my race yesterday. I had 3.5 miles on the schedule for today.

The boys rode ahead and I chugged along. I felt pretty good, especially considering I had a fast run yesterday and was full from Japanese food.

Child #1 fell off his bike after hitting a curb at the 2 mile turn around. A few hugs and a few tough love pats and we were on our way again.

I really like the trail we were on. I've seen the trail when we have driven past it, but it's really nice to run on. I feel like there's this whole section of town waiting to be explored. It's also nice to change up my run. I think I like running in new places.

I took my camera, but I only took two pictures. I didn't even bother to upload them. I don't think I'll be a runner who runs with a camera. I already hold my phone/music as it is. I guess I'll just have to stop to take a steady picture with my iphone every once in a while.

We came home, all took showers, and had a great dinner of salmon and salad. Quite the nice day.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Judicata

Thursday 2/17
Distance: 3.6 miles
Time: 47:46 minutes

Today
Distance: 3.1 miles
Time: 32:49 minutes/10:59 average pace

I got sick last Monday and took three days off of exercise. The horror! In the past, taking three days off would have been enough to completely lose my motivation. Luckily, that did not happen. I chose to look at the three days as necessary rest to get over a creepy cold.

I am proud of myself for that.

I still wasn't feeling back to 100% by Thursday, but I knew I needed to get a run done. I jumped on the treadmill and ran a mile, walked a minute, ran another mile, walked another minute, and then ran a final mile. I was tired but not depleted. I was pretty pleased because I thought that run would be a lot harder given being sick.

This morning was a race that the boys and I did. It benefits the local law school. Funny story: I attended that law school for a year and a half. I decided not to be a lawyer and became a teacher instead, but I very much remember spending time in that building.


Both boys before the race.

Evan was second into the chute and first in his age bracket. There weren't that many kids racing, so the race director ran all the kids together in one race. Once they all took off, it scared Hudson because he couldn't keep up. He turned around and cried.

I swooped him up and after a moment convinced him to run with me holding his hand. We ran the quarter mile together! And even though we came in second to last amongst all the kids, Hudson won first in his age bracket as well! (Obviously there were no other three-year-old males running!) Good warm up for me in any case.


Me just before my race.


Not the best photo with both boys looking away from me, but they were both so proud of their medals. Watching your kids succeed is such an amazing feeling!


The boys with my principal's niece. She is super speedy and won first place in the 16-year-old female 2-mile run category!

As for me winning a medal...um no! I was just impressed with my times! I maintained a pretty swift pace (for me) the entire time, and I felt pretty strong up until the last 1/2 mile. As I came around the last turn, but the boys ran out to meet me and raced with me to the finishing chute! Perfect! My goals were met: don't finish last, maintain at least 12 minute miles, and try not to walk. Met all three.

We possibly have another race next weekend. Yay for motivation and great chilly running weather!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Half Learned

Distance: 3.99 miles
Time: 51:38 minutes
Run: 3.32 miles/40 min./12:02 avg. pace

Well, I half learned my lesson from yesterday. The weather was pretty much identical, and I left the house an hour later this morning. I was hot yesterday, so I decided to wear a short sleeved shirt while running today.

However, I still wore pants...and was still hot. I did put on a hat. That was smart. I also put sunscreen on my arms. That was smart as well. I want to put sunscreen on my face, but I sweat sooooooo much, that I am worried about it running into my eyes. I need to shop for some sport sunscreen.

I also need a sweat wicking hat and some sunglasses that actually fit my face. I've been wearing Husband's forever, and they are huge and bounced around all over today.

I didn't feel like looping back on today's 40 minute jaunt, so I asked Husband if he would come retrieve me when I was done. It was nice not to have to turn around and go back the way I came.

Again, no pictures for now. We are getting ready and then leaving to go to Chowchilla to have my birthday lunch with my family. I wasn't really "feeling" the run this morning, but I am glad I forced myself out the door. Now it's done. And I can eat eight extra WW points!

Yippee!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Three Miles

Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 43:14 minutes
Run: 3 miles/11:31 avg pace

I did it! I ran three miles. There is an eensy tiny part of me that feels like it kinda sorta doesn't count because I had to stop a few times. Twice for stoplights, once to answer a text, and once to call Husband to ask him if he'd pick me up if I just kept running straight (as opposed to turning around and coming home).

Then there is this HUGE part of me that says, Heck Yeah, I just ran three miles! Who cares if I had to stop a few times? It wasn't like I took 90 minute breaks in between. More like 30-45 second breaks.

I felt pretty good except for being hot.

Eric and the boys got me some new running tights and two new running shirts for my birthday yesterday. I wore the tights and the long sleeve shirt this morning. The temperature was in the upper 50's, but the sun was shining brightly. It made it seem warmer than it really was.

I'm not complaining about the sun, I'm just saying it was hot! I ended up holding my headband all the way.

Oh, and I ended up not needing Eric to come pick me up. Rather than turn around and run back the way I came from the halfway point, I just kept going around the huge blocks. I left my neighborhood from the back entrance and went home through the front. It was nearly a perfect 3.5 mile loop.

I plan to run for 40 minutes tomorrow, and three miles each on Tuesday and Thursday. Then I have a race on Saturday. I feel ready.

I should have taken a picture of my new outfit. Maybe later I'll upload some photos.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Last day of 35

Distance: 3.25 miles
Time: 43:18 minutes
Run: 2.75/33:18 minutes

Got my run done. I am skipping my abs, arms and legs, however. Just not feeling it tonight.

As crazy as last week was, I managed to get all my workouts in. It's this week where it's falling apart. That's okay. I got my run done, and that's the part that matters to me most right now.

Today is my last day of being 35. My class is going to the ballet and pizza tomorrow. Should be fun. Then I'll live it up for my 36th with an indoor soccer match!

Eh, it doesn't really bother me. It's my life. I wouldn't trade it.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

2.75

Distance: 3.25 miles
Time: 43:40 minutes
Running: 2.75/4.9 avg pace

I don't have much time to post. Yesterday was long and busy. Child #2 woke up in the night with a severe asthma attack. Scared me to pieces.

I'm exhausted today.

I hope life calms down soon.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Am I Crazy?

Distance: 3.52 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Actual running: 2.94 miles/11:54 avg. pace

I felt fairly sluggish today, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that I ran farther than yesterday and still maintained my less than 12 minute mile pace goal. Once again, I ran a slightly different route than yesterday. I ran past the same dad and daughter three times! I wanted to tell him that I really wasn't stalking him!

In other news, I am 99% sure that I am going to sign up for a half marathon on May 22. I am actually pretty excited about this!



Husband was looking at bike races online, and he found THIS. It is 15 weeks away. That is plenty of time to work in a 12-week training plan. I feel crazy, but pumped about it. Can I do this? Why do I want to?

First question: Can I do this? Sure I can! I may have to walk, but that's okay. The information said it is a walker friendly course, so even if I have to stop and walk, big deal. I can certainly finish. Who cares about time?! (Okay, let's be honest...I do care about time, but I think finishing is the bigger goal.)

Second question: Why do I want to? Because it's a challenge. Because I've never pushed myself this physically hard...ever. Because not a lot of people can say they have run 13.1 miles. Because I want to conquer running. Because it actually sounds fun to me. Because I hear about other people doing this, and I am jealous and want to be a part of it. Because it makes me feel strong.

I think the reasons for wanting to do this far outweigh the craziness! And besides, I'll get to run THROUGH Fresno Chaffee Zoo. I am a frequent visitor of this zoo, so it would be pretty cool to be running through it on a course!


Hudson at the zoo last summer.


Hudson and me at the zoo for a special date.

I told Husband to sign me up.

Crazy or not, I'm going to do this!

And I think I need to start wearing sunscreen on runs from now on. Sunscreen or a hat. My snow white skin is getting a little too pink from being outside for 40 minutes. It is a beautiful 60 degree day outside. Just gorgeous.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Increase

Distance: 3.25 miles

I ran 2.75 miles in 32:10 today. I think it was an 11:43 pace. I was pretty happy because my goal is to always run less than 12 minute miles.

Since my mileage is increasing, I decided to leave the neighborhood today! Yes people, I ventured outside of my familiar streets that have been seen my butt run up and down for the past 8 weeks. It was getting to the point where I was doubling back on various streets in my neighborhood, so I decided to run on the outside main artery streets.

Our blocks are pretty big here, and each side is a 1/2 mile long. My route today was perfect, and I finished the 2.75 miles about five minutes from my house.

It was quite refreshing to have some new scenery. I need to do this more often, and I probably will because I'm going farther and farther.

The family didn't ride their bikes with me while I ran because Child #1 is sick, and Child #2 is coughing. They've been cooped up all day, and it shows. At least I got to get out for a bit of glorious sunshine.

Our house was cold, so I put on a long sleeved running shirt. However, the moment I stepped outside, I realized how warm it was, so I turned around and went right back in to change into short sleeves.

We are all geared up for the SuperBowl tomorrow. Teriyaki ribs and flank steak. Yummers.

I have a race in two weeks, so next Saturday I'll up my mileage to three miles so I'll be ready for the 5K the week after. I'm feeling strong!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Workouts are done for the week

The title pretty much sums it up.

I got up this morning at 5 a.m. to run for 28 minutes. I did it. I'm done. Tomorrow is my rest day.

Now I just have to get through two more days of Catholic Schools Week. Tonight is the Talent Show, and I am in two acts. It will be a good time tonight.

Distance: 2.778 miles
Time: 38 min.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Early Workout

I did it. I woke up this morning at 5 and got on the elliptical for 38 minutes. AND I did my arms and abs workout before going to school.

The hard part is waking up. Once I am up and moving, I feel good.

Today was Pajama Day. The kids in my class brought food, blankets, pillows, and reading material. We read ALL day.


Child #1 and me right before school started.

And in even better news...I lost 1.8 pounds this week!!! I am down a total of 21 pounds! I am back into the 160's!!!

My next weight loss goal is to get to 166, because at that weight, I will move from the "obese" category on the BMI index to the "overweight" category. That will be a happy day. Hopefully I'll make it with the next three weigh-ins.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Getting It Done

Distance: 2.74 miles
Time: 33 min.

I would love to throw in the towel this week due to the chaos at school. However, I know that on busy weeks like this, it is that much more important for me to exercise because it keeps me sane. I tend to get frazzled when so much of our routine is out of place. Running helps me keep it all in perspective.

There are evening events the next two nights, so as much as I hate getting up early, I might have to get the workouts done in the morning. But at least they'll be done for the day. That is always nice.

In any case, today's run is done. Twenty-eight minutes of running is in the books.

Long Monday

Monday started Catholic Schools Week, so my days are going to be BUSY to say the least.

Even so, I managed to squeeze in my elliptical workout after dinner and before heading to Talent Show Practice. In hindsight, I should have skipped the elliptical workout, because we were practicing our very upbeat and crazy dance for two hours! I was sweating up on stage!

And for today's funny photo:


Child #1 is dressed like a teacher (specifically my partner teacher who teaches 8th grade), and I am dressed like a student.

All I can say is that I am tired already...and it is only Tuesday. At least we are having fun!