Today Moxie is at the vet getting a bath (just in time for the huge rain/ice storm we are supposed to have tonight!) so I figured I would try to run by Laura's school after I dropped her off. It's in the older part of town and even has sidewalks and everything! There are a fair amount of cars too, and I don't think Moxie would like that very much so I've never tried it before.
The run would have been a lot better if it hadn't been so windy! With the wind and cars whizzing by, my pace hovered around 11 minutes the whole time. Yuck. But it was a nice change to run somewhere else-my neighborhood is so boring! It was weird though not knowing how far along in the run I was. My usual route is so predictable that I usually know about how long I've been running depending on where I am.
Despite some thigh pain from the 30 Day Shred, I managed to do 2 miles today. I forgot to bring my new running shoes with me but was pleased that my legs didn't really bother me. And I got a nice compliment from someone who called me just a few minutes after I got in the car. She said I sounded great, like I hadn't run at all. It got me thinking...I may not run fast or very far, but it is very true that I'm definitely in good enough shape to recover quickly from a 2 mile run. It used to be that I would be dead for 30 minutes after a run. Now I walk a little bit, stretch (thanks to encouragement from Patty!) and just go do my next thing. That's definitely improvement! Total time today, 22:15, 2.01 miles, 11:05 pace.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Not Much To Say
Other than I did day 2 of the 30 Day Shred. I can't tell if it was as hard as day 1. My thighs have been killing me since Sunday, but I was able to do it all (save for a few short breaks at the end). My arms are so pathetic, and my abs too. I don't know if I'm even doing some of the exercises totally correct, but I sure do feel the burn! I wish I was more flexible, but for now worrying about yoga or pilates will just have to wait. Running and 30 Day Shred is enough for now!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Enough With The Wind!
We had a crazy wind and rain storm last night, so crazy that at about 3am my daughter woke up calling me, begging to sleep in my bed. That is a very rare occurrence at our house and I think it demonstrates just how windy it was. The rain has gone and the streets are drying, but the wind remains.
Today was also my first run with my new shoes, and came only about 12 hours after my first day of the 30 day shred. My legs were pretty wobbly, so I decided I would allow myself to take it easy. Too bad that running a shorter distance was still so difficult! It didn't feel like an easy run AT ALL. I only did 1.3 miles and that was it. I hate that my daily runs are the runs someone running a marathon would do to warm up. I know everyone is different, and I've really come to accept that I'm just not built for running, but I wish I could make a little bit more progress than this.
But I don't want to fall into self-pity! I know I'll keep making progress if I keep with it. I'm glad the run was short because my shins didn't have time to really bother me. My calves were really tight and I think that's why my shins usually end up hurting. I definitely need to figure out a way to strengthen my ankles and calves. Hopefully my "shredding" will help!
Today was also my first run with my new shoes, and came only about 12 hours after my first day of the 30 day shred. My legs were pretty wobbly, so I decided I would allow myself to take it easy. Too bad that running a shorter distance was still so difficult! It didn't feel like an easy run AT ALL. I only did 1.3 miles and that was it. I hate that my daily runs are the runs someone running a marathon would do to warm up. I know everyone is different, and I've really come to accept that I'm just not built for running, but I wish I could make a little bit more progress than this.
But I don't want to fall into self-pity! I know I'll keep making progress if I keep with it. I'm glad the run was short because my shins didn't have time to really bother me. My calves were really tight and I think that's why my shins usually end up hurting. I definitely need to figure out a way to strengthen my ankles and calves. Hopefully my "shredding" will help!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
30 Day Shred
I seem to go in cycles of fitness, and I'm once again back to being way too plump. Running is great for my heart, lungs, and asthma, but it's not doing squat for my arms, stomach, or rear end. So I gave in and decided to buy a workout DVD. I chose the 30 Day Shred from one of the trainers from "The Biggest Loser", a show I've never watched but have always wanted to.
According the video, and all the die-hard fans, you're supposed to do it for 30 days straight. I'll just say right now: that ain't happening. I want to keep up with my running, and plus it just doesn't seem smart to me to work out for 30 days straight. But that's just me. I had a really busy day today and didn't have time until about 9pm to do the workout, but I was determined to get it done.
Let me just say that I knew I was weak sauce, but I didn't realize I was that weak. There are 3 different levels, and I of course started on level 1. Each workout is 20 minutes, broken into 3 different circuits. Each circuit is 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs. That sounds so easy on paper! Well it just about killed me. It is seriously so tough! I did the whole workout, but had to stop during a few of the arm exercises to rest (she said you can rest for 5 seconds if you have to). I knew my arms are my weakest spot, and now they are just like jello after that workout.
I will definitely keep up with the video, it was a lot of good exercise crammed into 20 minutes. I even made sure to take my "before" picture, which was inspiration enough to get cracking. I hope I'll see some results in a month or two!
According the video, and all the die-hard fans, you're supposed to do it for 30 days straight. I'll just say right now: that ain't happening. I want to keep up with my running, and plus it just doesn't seem smart to me to work out for 30 days straight. But that's just me. I had a really busy day today and didn't have time until about 9pm to do the workout, but I was determined to get it done.
Let me just say that I knew I was weak sauce, but I didn't realize I was that weak. There are 3 different levels, and I of course started on level 1. Each workout is 20 minutes, broken into 3 different circuits. Each circuit is 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs. That sounds so easy on paper! Well it just about killed me. It is seriously so tough! I did the whole workout, but had to stop during a few of the arm exercises to rest (she said you can rest for 5 seconds if you have to). I knew my arms are my weakest spot, and now they are just like jello after that workout.
I will definitely keep up with the video, it was a lot of good exercise crammed into 20 minutes. I even made sure to take my "before" picture, which was inspiration enough to get cracking. I hope I'll see some results in a month or two!
Friday, January 22, 2010
I Hate The Treadmill
Today was such a crummy run! It's still raining and wet, so I went to Ft. Bragg today in search of a treadmill to run on. The first gym I went to was closed, and the resulting trek to find another gym was so frustrating. The gym I finally found was boiling hot inside and I had to resist the urge to take all my clothes off-it was that hot. Even worse, everything seemed to be bothering me-my ankles, my knees, my shins, my calves. I thought for sure running on a treadmill would be easier on them.
I ran a mile at a 10:31 pace and had to stop and walk because my left shin was really killing me. I think part of the problem is that my shoes are old, but it occurred to me that when I sprained my ankle in December it was a different sprain than I'm used to-it was more on the top of my ankle, not the side. So it seems to get tight when I run which doesn't allow me to flex my foot all the way, which makes my calf and shin get really tight and painful. I'm going to try to search out some ankle exercises to do something about this, because when I ran on Wednesday it was just as painful. I really don't want to stop running after I've been doing so well, but even I have to admit it wouldn't be smart to keep running when my shin hurts so much.
After I walked for a few minutes I ran another .7 miles. Wow. So I did 1.7 miles running, but 2.25 overall, in 27:27. Yuck. And why does 10:31 pace on the treadmill seem so much faster than when I run outside? Overall, a really dissatisfying run.
I ran a mile at a 10:31 pace and had to stop and walk because my left shin was really killing me. I think part of the problem is that my shoes are old, but it occurred to me that when I sprained my ankle in December it was a different sprain than I'm used to-it was more on the top of my ankle, not the side. So it seems to get tight when I run which doesn't allow me to flex my foot all the way, which makes my calf and shin get really tight and painful. I'm going to try to search out some ankle exercises to do something about this, because when I ran on Wednesday it was just as painful. I really don't want to stop running after I've been doing so well, but even I have to admit it wouldn't be smart to keep running when my shin hurts so much.
After I walked for a few minutes I ran another .7 miles. Wow. So I did 1.7 miles running, but 2.25 overall, in 27:27. Yuck. And why does 10:31 pace on the treadmill seem so much faster than when I run outside? Overall, a really dissatisfying run.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Hurts So Good
After a rainy weekend, we've been blessed with sun and temperatures in the 50s! I wore shorts and a t-shirt on my run, and got pretty toasty, and cursed myself for wishing for warmer weather. What will I do when it's in the 90s and humid? The wind was strong again today but I found that I started out pretty quickly and was determined not to let my pace drop into the 10s. On top of that I also wanted to run at least 2 miles. So what's a girl to do? Nearly kill herself to make it happen, of course.
I'm pleased to say that I managed it and even managed to drag myself back inside and collapse in the privacy of my own home. I did 2.03 miles is 20:04 which is a pace of 9:54. My first mile was 9:49. I definitely felt like I was running very fast the whole time so I doubt I'll see those numbers again any time soon. But it felt great to hit the 2 mile mark again, finally. I've also decided I need new running shoes-I was looking at pictures last night from our Disney World trip in May and saw I was wearing the same shoes I still wear. Probably time for new pair, especially since I don't wear them just as running shoes. But that's a whole other issue, and I won't complain here about my lack of comfy but cute shoes.
I'm pleased to say that I managed it and even managed to drag myself back inside and collapse in the privacy of my own home. I did 2.03 miles is 20:04 which is a pace of 9:54. My first mile was 9:49. I definitely felt like I was running very fast the whole time so I doubt I'll see those numbers again any time soon. But it felt great to hit the 2 mile mark again, finally. I've also decided I need new running shoes-I was looking at pictures last night from our Disney World trip in May and saw I was wearing the same shoes I still wear. Probably time for new pair, especially since I don't wear them just as running shoes. But that's a whole other issue, and I won't complain here about my lack of comfy but cute shoes.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Frick!
That is what I said several times on this run. What a disaster! It's a bit warmer today, about 42 I think, and the wind is really low so I quickly got too hot with my vest on and decided to return home to drop it on my porch. Moxie apparently misinterpreted my intentions and ran right in front of me, causing me to trip. Luckily I didn't fall, but the whole debacle made her so nervous that she acted skittish the rest of the run.
On top of that I went a different way today that had way too many inclines for my taste. I started to get really hot with all my gear on and found myself carrying quite a bit of it in my hands. Moxie continued to act weird and when we finally stopped running, I found out why-she immediately stopped and pooped more than I have ever seen her poop at once. I always carry a bag with me but have only had to use it one other time. The bag I had today was actually on the smaller side and couldn't even contain everything!! It was disgusting. I had to scoop it up in the bag and carry it in my hand, all the way back home. There was no way for me to tie it shut and at least dangle it down so I feel like I'm just carrying a bag of groceries or something. Oh no! I basically carried home a pile of poop in my hand with only a tiny plastic bag as a barrier.
The moment I got to my doorstep I realized I had left my gloves back at the poop site. I had to jump in the car to go back and retrieve them. On the way I noted that I had walked 3/10ths of a mile with the poop-not that far, except when you're carrying a pile of dog poop. What an awful run. All told 19:44, 1.91 miles, 10:20 pace. I don't know if I'll be able to match that next time I run.
On top of that I went a different way today that had way too many inclines for my taste. I started to get really hot with all my gear on and found myself carrying quite a bit of it in my hands. Moxie continued to act weird and when we finally stopped running, I found out why-she immediately stopped and pooped more than I have ever seen her poop at once. I always carry a bag with me but have only had to use it one other time. The bag I had today was actually on the smaller side and couldn't even contain everything!! It was disgusting. I had to scoop it up in the bag and carry it in my hand, all the way back home. There was no way for me to tie it shut and at least dangle it down so I feel like I'm just carrying a bag of groceries or something. Oh no! I basically carried home a pile of poop in my hand with only a tiny plastic bag as a barrier.
The moment I got to my doorstep I realized I had left my gloves back at the poop site. I had to jump in the car to go back and retrieve them. On the way I noted that I had walked 3/10ths of a mile with the poop-not that far, except when you're carrying a pile of dog poop. What an awful run. All told 19:44, 1.91 miles, 10:20 pace. I don't know if I'll be able to match that next time I run.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Ouch!
For whatever reason, my right knee decided to start hurting last night. It felt okay at the start of my run, but started feeling sore again midway through. I have no idea what's wrong since I didn't do anything to it! Luckily I was able to complete my run, but it doesn't feel so great right now. It seems to be my kneecap.
It was cold again today so I used my daughter's little scarf to cover my mouth while I warmed up. I probably looked so ridiculous, but it kept some of the cold air away! I went past my house and left it there and completed the run, albeit rather slowly today. After I was done, I walked for a bit and then jogged another minute or two, just to get my body used to running again after a walking break. Usually my legs lock up and I simply can't run once I stop to walk or even tie my shoe. That certainly won't do for longer distances, so hopefully I can start getting more used to it.
19:19 minutes, 1.81 miles, 10:41 pace
It was cold again today so I used my daughter's little scarf to cover my mouth while I warmed up. I probably looked so ridiculous, but it kept some of the cold air away! I went past my house and left it there and completed the run, albeit rather slowly today. After I was done, I walked for a bit and then jogged another minute or two, just to get my body used to running again after a walking break. Usually my legs lock up and I simply can't run once I stop to walk or even tie my shoe. That certainly won't do for longer distances, so hopefully I can start getting more used to it.
19:19 minutes, 1.81 miles, 10:41 pace
Monday, January 11, 2010
A Tiny Bit Warmer, And A Tiny Bit Farther
So it's maybe a few degrees warmer today, and I ran a tiny (like .03 miles) farther than Friday. But that's fine, I'm keeping up with my goal of always doing the same or more distance as the day before (except when I have Laura with me).
Today, I ran for 18:41 which was 1.79 miles at a 10:25 pace. I'm very pleased that one of my fastest paces of the morning was running up the small incline by my house. Also good? The fact that once I stopped and was doing my cool down walk, I decided to jog for a moment to see how it felt, and it felt just fine. I probably could have gone again for about a 1/2 mile, which isn't far, but usually I feel like I can't run another step once I'm done. I think one day this week I'll have to give it a try, running my full course then walking for a bit and starting again. That might be just the ticket to bump up my endurance!
Today, I ran for 18:41 which was 1.79 miles at a 10:25 pace. I'm very pleased that one of my fastest paces of the morning was running up the small incline by my house. Also good? The fact that once I stopped and was doing my cool down walk, I decided to jog for a moment to see how it felt, and it felt just fine. I probably could have gone again for about a 1/2 mile, which isn't far, but usually I feel like I can't run another step once I'm done. I think one day this week I'll have to give it a try, running my full course then walking for a bit and starting again. That might be just the ticket to bump up my endurance!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Jogging Stroller
I think today was one of the last days I'll be able to push Laura in the jogging stroller. She weighs close to 35 pounds now and with the stroller, that's more than a wimp like me can handle. Not to mention she barely fits in it anymore...she may weigh only as much as a normal 3 year old, but in height she is definitely 5! When you add in a winter jacket and blanket, she is so scrunched in there that I feel bad for her.
All that to say, I ran again today and with the wind and Laura it was a struggle. I knew I wouldn't be able to run as much as I did yesterday, but that was okay. Total of 15:16, 1.42 miles at a slow 10:45 pace. But on the bright side, I ran 4 times this week! I should be able to do the same schedule again next week which is great. Hopefully on Monday I'll match Friday's run or do a bit more. Just one week ago I did 1.01 miles and Friday I did 1.76. I hope I'll continue improving at that rate!
All that to say, I ran again today and with the wind and Laura it was a struggle. I knew I wouldn't be able to run as much as I did yesterday, but that was okay. Total of 15:16, 1.42 miles at a slow 10:45 pace. But on the bright side, I ran 4 times this week! I should be able to do the same schedule again next week which is great. Hopefully on Monday I'll match Friday's run or do a bit more. Just one week ago I did 1.01 miles and Friday I did 1.76. I hope I'll continue improving at that rate!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Windy!
I happy to report that there was no snow on the ground this morning, as the weather man predicted (I really didn't believe it would happen though). So Laura was able to go to school and I was able to run. Three times this week so far, I'm so happy! It was definitely a bit warmer today, about 42 degrees, and would have felt great if it weren't for the wind. I checked online and it said the winds were 24mph, which I don't know if that's high or not, but it made it feel like 28 degrees-or so said weather.com.
I didn't so much mind the cold, but the wind was just a killer. It was blowing from the north and a lot of my course takes me that way, so it was slow going. I think I need to get a little wrap to put around my neck so I can cover my nose and mouth when I'm first starting out-the cold air is just murder on my lungs. Today though I warmed up a lot more and had to take off my vest which I then unfortunately had to carry all the way home. I went a bit farther than normal to force me to run more, and I ended up covering 1.76 miles. I'm definitely happy with that! Total time running was 18:46, at a slooow 10:41 pace.
I didn't so much mind the cold, but the wind was just a killer. It was blowing from the north and a lot of my course takes me that way, so it was slow going. I think I need to get a little wrap to put around my neck so I can cover my nose and mouth when I'm first starting out-the cold air is just murder on my lungs. Today though I warmed up a lot more and had to take off my vest which I then unfortunately had to carry all the way home. I went a bit farther than normal to force me to run more, and I ended up covering 1.76 miles. I'm definitely happy with that! Total time running was 18:46, at a slooow 10:41 pace.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
27 Degrees
That's the temperature right now, although it's actually probably a few degrees lower with the wind chill. And yes, I ran! I REALLY didn't want to, but I wanted to stay on my schedule, plus all my holiday eating has caught up with me big time and I am not pleased with my new, higher weight or my much larger muffin top.
I had a lot harder time today than Monday. My shins were killing me and my legs felt so heavy. The cold air seemed to be cutting my lungs so I was forced to run with my gloved hand over my mouth until I warmed up a bit. I also realized today that I don't have very good cold weather gear, so I had to wear a puffer vest that definitely isn't meant for running. It was very bulky, but it definitely helped.
My plan to never run less than the time before almost did me in as I struggled to at least run 1.5 miles. In the end I did the exact same distance as Monday (1.53 miles) in more time (16:19). But I managed it and will hopefully run again on Friday!
I had a lot harder time today than Monday. My shins were killing me and my legs felt so heavy. The cold air seemed to be cutting my lungs so I was forced to run with my gloved hand over my mouth until I warmed up a bit. I also realized today that I don't have very good cold weather gear, so I had to wear a puffer vest that definitely isn't meant for running. It was very bulky, but it definitely helped.
My plan to never run less than the time before almost did me in as I struggled to at least run 1.5 miles. In the end I did the exact same distance as Monday (1.53 miles) in more time (16:19). But I managed it and will hopefully run again on Friday!
Monday, January 4, 2010
New Year, New Outlook
Well, not really, but the title sounds catchy! I suppose my new outlook this year is to make running more of a priority in my life. Last year if I only ran once a week, I didn't really get too bothered by it until I ran the next time and realized I wasn't making any progress. This year I've run twice already (that's not saying much, I know) and both runs were hard but satisfying. It feels good to be outside, running in the freezing cold and getting weird looks from passing drivers. I feel proud of myself for taking care of my health and my dog's health, even if all we can manage is 1.5 miles.
I'm using my excuse of still recovering from being sick, so my run on Saturday was about 10 minutes and my run today was 15:52 with 1.53 miles covered (10:23 pace). I'm definitely happy with that and am going to try to run again on Wednesday to keep up this schedule.
I'm using my excuse of still recovering from being sick, so my run on Saturday was about 10 minutes and my run today was 15:52 with 1.53 miles covered (10:23 pace). I'm definitely happy with that and am going to try to run again on Wednesday to keep up this schedule.
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