I ran 3 miles. It wasn't super easy. I had to stop a few times, but I made it. Good feeling finishing up the year with a run.
More tomorrow.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Simple Mile
Distance: 1.9/Run 1.0 - 5.0 mph
Not much to report. I waited until the very end of the day to do my run. I knew I wanted to keep it simple because I plan to do three tomorrow. I like Saturdays to be my "long" run day.
I realized while kicking out my one mile for the night that I am starting to prefer getting my run done earlier in the day. I used to always run at night because I was not willing to get up super early to do something as hard as run. Night time on the treadmill was the only time I had to get it done.
I am now figuring out that I don't particularly like running at night. Maybe if it was with someone and we were outside. But that isn't happening.
My preferred time to run is late afternoon between 3 and 5. It's not awful early like morning, it's a great way to get an afternoon lift, and I have time to enjoy the after glow of exercise. When I run at night, that glow has nowhere to go. Once I finally stop sweating, I go to bed. That's not fun.
The last few days when I've gotten my run done in the afternoon, that glow/lift/high/perk keeps me happy well into the evening.
This is all fine and good while I am on vacation, but it is a bit harder to fit in an afternoon run when I'm working. Funny little thing called school/staff meetings/parent meetings/tutoring/grading papers/etc. gets in the way. Plus, I don't really care for running outside in the neighborhood around my school. It's not a bad neighborhood, but I like the longer 1/2 mile stretches of the blocks near my house.
I guess that leaves me with early morning treadmill runs. I don't like being up that early, but I do like starting the day with something super positive and empowering.
Anyhow, today was a simple mile. Tomorrow will be an outdoor three. At least, that's what I'm shooting for.
In other news, we had an appointment to get this little man's picture taken in this super old cowboy suit. It is a Hopalong Cassidy suit that belonged to my mom. We (mom, me, sis, two nephews, and two sons) have all had our picture in this suit. It's a neat tradition. Little Man did very well. I hope my mom likes the photo.
Not much to report. I waited until the very end of the day to do my run. I knew I wanted to keep it simple because I plan to do three tomorrow. I like Saturdays to be my "long" run day.
I realized while kicking out my one mile for the night that I am starting to prefer getting my run done earlier in the day. I used to always run at night because I was not willing to get up super early to do something as hard as run. Night time on the treadmill was the only time I had to get it done.
I am now figuring out that I don't particularly like running at night. Maybe if it was with someone and we were outside. But that isn't happening.
My preferred time to run is late afternoon between 3 and 5. It's not awful early like morning, it's a great way to get an afternoon lift, and I have time to enjoy the after glow of exercise. When I run at night, that glow has nowhere to go. Once I finally stop sweating, I go to bed. That's not fun.
The last few days when I've gotten my run done in the afternoon, that glow/lift/high/perk keeps me happy well into the evening.
This is all fine and good while I am on vacation, but it is a bit harder to fit in an afternoon run when I'm working. Funny little thing called school/staff meetings/parent meetings/tutoring/grading papers/etc. gets in the way. Plus, I don't really care for running outside in the neighborhood around my school. It's not a bad neighborhood, but I like the longer 1/2 mile stretches of the blocks near my house.
I guess that leaves me with early morning treadmill runs. I don't like being up that early, but I do like starting the day with something super positive and empowering.
Anyhow, today was a simple mile. Tomorrow will be an outdoor three. At least, that's what I'm shooting for.
In other news, we had an appointment to get this little man's picture taken in this super old cowboy suit. It is a Hopalong Cassidy suit that belonged to my mom. We (mom, me, sis, two nephews, and two sons) have all had our picture in this suit. It's a neat tradition. Little Man did very well. I hope my mom likes the photo.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
There is no test to run - but there is a test in algebra
Distance: 3.14 miles total/2.6 running - 11:15 avg. pace
I sent the kids to daycare today, got my nails done, and then spent most of the day at work.
My partner teacher is not coming back due to pregnancy, so I'll be adding a few classes to my schedule: algebra and pre-algebra. I like math. I also like teaching math. I'm looking forward to the changes.
Still, that means changes. I spent quite a bit of time today going over lesson plans to be ready for next Tuesday. I also teach science and social studies. And I am the vice principal. Let's just say, I'm never bored at school!
After hanging out in my classroom all day, I grabbed some chili for lunch, and then set out on a run. I didn't have any plan in mind. I vaguely figured I should be out for at least 30 minutes. I vaguely figured I'd try to do at least 2 miles. I'm pleased to report I succeeded at both vague goals!
It's kind of nice not really worrying about hitting certain numbers. I felt pretty good. It was nice to be alone. I know that contradicts what I said yesterday enjoying having the kids with me, but it was nice to run and only have to worry about myself at intersections!
I also played my music nice and loud. I didn't have to have a conversation or argument with anyone, and I didn't have to scream, "Stop at the corner!!!" I stopped myself at the corners very nicely!
The lesson here is balance. Runs with the kids are nice. Runs without the kids are nice.
I was rather coordinated today as well. Purple shoes, purple shirt, and purple bondi band. Quite the stylish runner I am!
I am also loving the inspirational pictures/quotes that I've been posting. They are perfect for some end of year/new year motivation.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Times Have Changed
Distance: 1.85 miles/11:28 avg. pace
In keeping with my fantastic 3-day streak, I gathered the kids together and had them ride their bikes with me again while I ran. We stayed within our neighborhood this morning. I ran one of my old routes before stopping at the local park just a few blocks down from us.
I think I ran 1.1 miles by the time we ended up at the park.
Then Hudson had to poop. So we ran/rode home. Then we ran/rode back to the park. The kids played. Then we ran/rode home. Luckily the park is close!
I was just sitting here thinking about how different things are now. When I first started running, neither of the kids were at the point where they could ride their bikes with me. We set out like this:
Two boys in a bike trailer, bribed with candy, headphones, warm clothes, and anything else that would keep them quiet and entertained for 30 minutes or more.
Now the kids look like this:
They both ride their bikes with ease. They are much faster than me. They don't need to be bribed with candy. Going on a bike ride is incentive enough. They do like stopping at parks to play.
Now if I can just get the little one to be a bit more careful at intersections and to ride near the curb at all times. Luckily the big kid is very helpful with his little brother.
It was nice to do a short run today. Tomorrow I should be able to fit in a solo run. I'm going to aim for at least three miles.
Even though it is slightly stressful to run while worrying about two kids on bikes, I have to admit that I like having them with me. I feel less lonely. They also keep me distracted, just not always in a good way.
It does make me shake my head at how much we've all changed.
In keeping with my fantastic 3-day streak, I gathered the kids together and had them ride their bikes with me again while I ran. We stayed within our neighborhood this morning. I ran one of my old routes before stopping at the local park just a few blocks down from us.
I think I ran 1.1 miles by the time we ended up at the park.
Then Hudson had to poop. So we ran/rode home. Then we ran/rode back to the park. The kids played. Then we ran/rode home. Luckily the park is close!
I was just sitting here thinking about how different things are now. When I first started running, neither of the kids were at the point where they could ride their bikes with me. We set out like this:
Two boys in a bike trailer, bribed with candy, headphones, warm clothes, and anything else that would keep them quiet and entertained for 30 minutes or more.
Now the kids look like this:
They both ride their bikes with ease. They are much faster than me. They don't need to be bribed with candy. Going on a bike ride is incentive enough. They do like stopping at parks to play.
Now if I can just get the little one to be a bit more careful at intersections and to ride near the curb at all times. Luckily the big kid is very helpful with his little brother.
It was nice to do a short run today. Tomorrow I should be able to fit in a solo run. I'm going to aim for at least three miles.
Even though it is slightly stressful to run while worrying about two kids on bikes, I have to admit that I like having them with me. I feel less lonely. They also keep me distracted, just not always in a good way.
It does make me shake my head at how much we've all changed.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Two Parts
Distance: 3.5 miles total/3 miles running-11:58 average pace
The kids needed to get out of the house with some activity, so I took them with me on a run. They rode their bikes...slowly...while I panted and chugged along behind them.
We traveled about a mile and a half to a neighborhood one over from ours. A few years ago I found a playground tucked into this neighborhood. I promised Evan that "someday" we'd come back. Well, someday turned out to be today. It only took me two years to keep my promise.
This kids played on the park while I rested on a bench. After a while we went back home.
I am pretty sure I was faster on the trip home. I guess we'll call that a negative split? Maybe? Does it count if you take a 30 minute break on a bench?!
Resting on a bench mid-way through a run. Feeling my pink today! I love pink.
Did three miles. Felt pretty good. Legs are sore tonight. The good kind of sore.
Streak Day #2. I'm on a roll!
The kids needed to get out of the house with some activity, so I took them with me on a run. They rode their bikes...slowly...while I panted and chugged along behind them.
We traveled about a mile and a half to a neighborhood one over from ours. A few years ago I found a playground tucked into this neighborhood. I promised Evan that "someday" we'd come back. Well, someday turned out to be today. It only took me two years to keep my promise.
This kids played on the park while I rested on a bench. After a while we went back home.
I am pretty sure I was faster on the trip home. I guess we'll call that a negative split? Maybe? Does it count if you take a 30 minute break on a bench?!
Resting on a bench mid-way through a run. Feeling my pink today! I love pink.
Did three miles. Felt pretty good. Legs are sore tonight. The good kind of sore.
Streak Day #2. I'm on a roll!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Day After Christmas
I got a new running journal for Christmas. Yay! The designers were smart...they started the first entry for Monday, Dec. 26! I guess they figured a lot of people would get one for Christmas and want to get started on keeping a running log right away.
Worked for this girl.
Sometime mid morning we got a phone call from Evan's soccer coach asking about an impromptu practice. Sure, why not? We all headed out at 3. We relaxed all day, so it was nice to get out of the house for a bit.
I purposely dressed in my running gear and planned to jog around the large soccer field. I almost didn't do it, but finally I sucked it up and ran. Well, "ran" would be a bit of an exaggeration. I jogged...slowly. But that's okay. I moved my body. And I felt better when I was done. Plus, it helped keep me warm.
I would like to be able to write something down for each day of my new running log. I hate to even admit that I want to start a running streak, because then it becomes all about the obsessive need to keep going. Keep streaking.
However, for me, a streak is not such a bad idea. I am such a creature of habit, that a run everyday, even just a mile, is a good way for my brain to register that this is normal. It is something I need to do every day. If nothing else, it would make me happy to see all the running journal boxes filled in!
Worked for this girl.
Sometime mid morning we got a phone call from Evan's soccer coach asking about an impromptu practice. Sure, why not? We all headed out at 3. We relaxed all day, so it was nice to get out of the house for a bit.
I purposely dressed in my running gear and planned to jog around the large soccer field. I almost didn't do it, but finally I sucked it up and ran. Well, "ran" would be a bit of an exaggeration. I jogged...slowly. But that's okay. I moved my body. And I felt better when I was done. Plus, it helped keep me warm.
I would like to be able to write something down for each day of my new running log. I hate to even admit that I want to start a running streak, because then it becomes all about the obsessive need to keep going. Keep streaking.
However, for me, a streak is not such a bad idea. I am such a creature of habit, that a run everyday, even just a mile, is a good way for my brain to register that this is normal. It is something I need to do every day. If nothing else, it would make me happy to see all the running journal boxes filled in!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
I Won!
I feel like the dad in "A Christmas Story" when he won his major prize. I won a prize today! Check THIS out!
I entered the contest a few days ago to win one of these:
As I was reading the winner announcement on Tall Mom's blog, it took me a second to realize that it was me she was talking about! I even thought to myself, "Hey, that's my blog name! Hey, that's me!"
I won! I won a major award! Thank you Tall Mom and Gone For a Run!
I can't wait to get my prize. I'll be sure to hang all TWO of my medals on it...with the promise of more to come!
I did another three mile run tonight at a slightly faster pace than Tuesday night. I ran each mile 14 seconds faster than the miles on Tuesday. In other words, I went from a 5.0 speed to a 5.1 speed. Baby steps, people!
I didn't feel like posting more pictures the other night, so here are a few more of my view from the treadmill.
Our "gym" is in what would be considered the formal living room. I like it that I can peek around the side of the fireplace to see the Christmas Tree in the family room.
Those are the little itty bitty Santa and elf clothes hanging on a clothes line. They are some of my favorite decorations.
The formal dining room. My table looks so pretty when the clutter is all cleared off of it. Go figure.
All in all, a very pretty room to work out in. I'm liking it a lot right now.
I entered the contest a few days ago to win one of these:
As I was reading the winner announcement on Tall Mom's blog, it took me a second to realize that it was me she was talking about! I even thought to myself, "Hey, that's my blog name! Hey, that's me!"
I won! I won a major award! Thank you Tall Mom and Gone For a Run!
I can't wait to get my prize. I'll be sure to hang all TWO of my medals on it...with the promise of more to come!
I did another three mile run tonight at a slightly faster pace than Tuesday night. I ran each mile 14 seconds faster than the miles on Tuesday. In other words, I went from a 5.0 speed to a 5.1 speed. Baby steps, people!
I didn't feel like posting more pictures the other night, so here are a few more of my view from the treadmill.
Our "gym" is in what would be considered the formal living room. I like it that I can peek around the side of the fireplace to see the Christmas Tree in the family room.
Those are the little itty bitty Santa and elf clothes hanging on a clothes line. They are some of my favorite decorations.
The formal dining room. My table looks so pretty when the clutter is all cleared off of it. Go figure.
All in all, a very pretty room to work out in. I'm liking it a lot right now.
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