tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69149900122193137622024-03-19T09:33:02.194-07:00Girls Who Run - Kind Of....A blog for girls that aspire to be runners!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03286190741200390057noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-24895370078029963602010-07-28T18:02:00.000-07:002010-07-28T18:08:31.886-07:00It's Been A HOT SummerI've been running here and there, and I see it's been more than a month since I've blogged about it! None of my runs have been anything to speak of, and some of them have been as pathetic as a measly 1/2 mile before I crap out and head home. I'm happy to say though that I've started doing the 30 Day Shred again. Monday and Wednesday I ran about 8 minutes, and then did the "shred" routine. Given how sore I am, I'd say my muscles definitely had gone flabby again! It's so fascinating to me how someone can be a runner but not have much in the way of muscles (or at least that's how I am).<br /><br />My arms look better already, but I really feel like there's no hope for my abs. At the very least, I like to think that I'm setting a good example for my daughter. I love that she sees me panting and sweating and generally torturing myself...I want exercise to just be a fact of life for her, and I think I'm achieving that goal, which is awesome.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-40221009170000984462010-06-13T08:13:00.000-07:002010-06-13T08:20:23.443-07:00Not So Smart92 degrees. 11am. No breakfast. No water. Just got back from Wal-Mart. Humidity is like a lead vest pressing down on you. Let's go for a run!<br /><br />Did 1 mile in 9:41. I'm an idiot.<br /><br />Past runs:<br /><br />5/31-10:15-1 mile<br />6/2-16:08-1.65 miles, 9:47 pace<br />6/6-11:57-1.25 miles, 9:35 pace<br />6/8-10:44-1.1 miles, 9:46 pace<br /><br />I hate the summer.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-11772681199879848592010-05-29T04:42:00.000-07:002010-05-29T04:43:28.388-07:00This WeekRuns this week:<br /><br />5/25-1.66 miles, 9:59 pace<br />5/27-1.60 miles, 9:46 pace<br />5/29-1.61 miles, 9:59 pace<br /><br />Each one was tough...it's hot and HUMID!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-42493915499785185542010-04-16T16:52:00.000-07:002010-04-16T16:54:09.845-07:00After Work RunI didn't get home from work until almost 7pm today, so the sun was mostly down and the weather was pleasant enough (a mere 83 degrees plus some stickiness). I was definitely tired since working at a bank means you are on your feet a lot of the day. I did 1.51 miles with no walking so I was definitely happy with that. My left ankle and shin were tight again but nowhere near as bad as yesterday. My pace was 10:02, not great but I'll take it.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-17811679109736568572010-04-15T07:17:00.000-07:002010-04-15T07:23:32.691-07:00Not The Worst Pain Ever....Today is a beautiful day and Moxie and I eagerly headed out for our first run in a while without pushing Laura. At about 1/2 mile, my left ankle/shin started hurting. Certainly not the worst pain ever (that list goes: 1. childbirth 2. falling down the stairs and spraining my ankle 3. my car accident 4. falling while running track and standing up with no skin on either knee) but it definitely did not feel good. I can't tell what the primary problem is though. I think my ankle is acting up because it has a lot less range of motion than usual, and perhaps that is causing my shin to feel tight. I stopped running and tried to move my ankle around and stretch it out, but that HURT! I started again and stopped at 3/4 miles and gimped it all the way home. What a let down. My breathing felt great and I was imagining a 2+mile day.<br /><br />I realized I didn't write about my last two runs: 2 miles each on Saturday and Monday.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-3493629522686120132010-04-08T15:32:00.000-07:002010-04-08T15:33:59.720-07:00Another Tough MilePut in another mile today after work, with Laura and Moxie. Pretty crazy wind and once again I was dragging the whole time. What has happened to me? I did 1.01 miles in 9:49, at least the pace is better than yesterday, and I didn't stop at all. Still, I feel miserable while I run and I hate that I'm losing progress!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-84689324976299850492010-04-07T06:31:00.000-07:002010-04-07T09:14:35.860-07:00Worst Run In A LONG TimeToday was horrible. I shouldn't even bother recording it. I did one mile with Laura in the jogging stroller, and had to stop halfway through to catch my breath. Pathetic! My breathing is terrible and our allergies are on the rampage here, so I hope that's what effected me today. My legs felt like lead, and I just couldn't find a groove today. Took me 10:15 for my mile, just sad. What happened to 2 miles just a few days ago?<br /><br />Edited to add: I did cut the grass in the backyard after my run, so I guess at least my workout today wasn't too horrible. Still, just one mile? Yuck!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-68238345437010833902010-04-05T16:50:00.000-07:002010-04-05T20:22:11.404-07:0094 DegreesThat is how hot it was at 5pm when I ran. I went after working all day (and therefore standing up all day). I went to the park near my work that has a path, since it was on the way to Angela's house and she was graciously watching Laura for me (Spring Break but no daycare options makes working tough!) My legs felt like lead and my breathing was terrible. Surprised I made it the 1.5 miles that I did. Ran it at a 9:56 pace. Hope my next run is better...can't believe it's so hot already when it was so chilly just a few weeks ago.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-14485344921902072192010-04-03T06:16:00.000-07:002010-04-03T06:22:52.482-07:00Saturday Morning RunToday was basically the perfect running weather: cool, slightly overcast, no humidity, no wind. Like I said-perfect! I wore the new tank top Patty sent me, and it's perfect too. I LOVE running in tank tops, and this one is awesome. It's light, comfy, and I love the color. Laura was sleeping over at the neighbor's house, so I got to run without the jogging stroller which was great. I went for 2 miles and did a 9:47 pace. Moxie was happy to be out, although I noticed she was breathing heavily-she is feeling the effects of my work schedule too.<br /><br />It felt great to be out today, although right after I walked in the door I got the call that Laura's stomach was hurting, so now I'm not sure what our Saturday will bring. At least I got a run in!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-55673679600502232252010-03-31T08:51:00.001-07:002010-03-31T08:57:41.478-07:00Trail RunningYesterday I was at Ft. Bragg and decided to go check out a trail that a friend had told me about. I found it easily but just as I arrived, about 75 soldiers were lining up for a ruck march. I checked with one nice young man, and he confirmed it was okay for me to run, and that I wouldn't be interrupting their training. The bad part was that I had to run past all of them as I started out--I'm sure you can only imagine what a nice clip I was running at first!<br /><br />I run exclusively on roads, so it was such a pleasant change to be on a trail. This trail seems to be pretty sandy but it had just rained, so it wasn't too difficult to run on. My shoes got pretty dirty, but it was a lot of fun. Plenty of natural dips on the course, and I ran up one decent hill before stopping to take my jacket off and turning around. I ran 2.4 miles which is a good run for me, and if Ft. Bragg wasn't so far I could see myself going to run that trail every single time. On a hot day running in the shade of all of those trees would be fantastic. <br /><br />I kept expecting to come upon the marching soldiers, so I forced myself to keep running even though I wanted to walk. My pace was slower than I expected (10:17) but I guess that's okay for a trail. When I finished all of the soldiers were still at the start of the trail, so I cut through the woods to avoid having to run past them while all red-faced, sweaty, and gasping for breath. I'm sure they thought I was crazy, but at least I felt like my dignity and appearance as an actual runner was intact.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-78027006195566504682010-03-23T06:12:00.000-07:002010-03-23T06:15:01.682-07:00Slowly But SurelyI feel like I'm making progress getting back into my running routine. I work a short(er) day today so I was able to get out this morning. I did 1.76 miles in 17:20, which was a 9:52 pace. Not too bad considering the wind was so strong that my eyes were watering even with sunglasses on. I also ran on Sunday, with Laura in the jogging stroller, for 1.5 miles. No stopping to walk today, which is always a plus.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-39122534422014302872010-03-19T10:53:00.000-07:002010-03-19T10:58:44.163-07:00Heating UpMid-March has arrived and just as I hoped, so did some warmer weather. It is so pleasant today, and Moxie enjoyed basking on the deck for several hours after I got home from work (short day today!) The thing I always forget though, is just how hard it is to run in the direct sunlight, and how a pleasant day with temps in the low 70's can be just horrible for a runner.<br /><br />I was without Laura today and thought surely I would go farther and faster than yesterday. I did go farther, but only by a 1/2 mile. And I'm pretty sure I went slower too. But at least I got out there, and hopefully I'll go out at least once this weekend. I was so mad that there were so many people out in the neighborhood today at 1:30 (don't these people have jobs!?!?) because it's hard to run slowly and gasp for breath when people are watching. I think I did an ample job of convincing some of them that I'm a legitimate runner. The UPS guy though: he knows my secret. He passed me right as I stopped my run, and I'm sure I looked like I was about to faint and vomit all at the same time. So much for keeping up pretenses.<br /><br />14:48 time, 1.5 miles, 9:58 pace.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-83897439081921667052010-03-18T17:50:00.001-07:002010-03-18T17:57:43.424-07:00Crummy RunIt's been over a week since my last run, and I seem to have lost all ability to run. My breathing hasn't been all that great for the last few weeks, mostly due to me stopping one of my asthma medications (Advair). I read an article in the paper a month ago, talking about the fact that the FDA no longer wants people to take it regularly if they can help it. Naturally that freaked me out and I stopped taking it (still haven't been able to get in to see the doctor to get a replacement medication) and my breathing has been really off since then.<br /><br />So bad breathing, plus Laura in the stroller and a nearly frantic Moxie by my side made for an awful run. We did about a 1/2 mile before a small dog broke free from it's owners grasp and made a beeline for Moxie. What is it with small dogs trying to attack Moxie? It was so ridiculous how hard it was for the owners to recapture it-we eventually had to stop running completely and stand still for about 3 minutes while they corralled it. The breather was nice, but I really hadn't wanted to stop. Once I started back up, I realized my watch hadn't restarted, so I may have gone a tiny bit farther than what it showed. Too bad it wasn't a mile farther. I finished up, exhausted, gasping for breath, bitter over my 1.05 mile run. Grr. (Plus side: 9:39 pace)Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-82173606955422949522010-03-09T15:18:00.000-08:002010-03-09T15:23:55.831-08:00Afternoon RunMy bank training is in full swing, but I got off at 4pm today so I was able to do a quick run. My friend who is watching Laura was at the park with the kids and offered to bring Laura back home for me, so I gladly accepted. I felt like the pressure was on to be done with my run quickly so that I was back home before they got there. The weather was absolutely gorgeous today, and I felt so comfy in shorts and a t-shirt. Since it had been a few days, plus my hurry to finish, I went out way too fast. As in an 8:30 pace too fast! I paid for it almost instantly, and was breathing heavily the whole time. I stopped at 1.3 miles because I got back to my driveway and Moxie was pulling to go in the backyard. I dropped her off and finished by myself, arriving back home just a few minutes before my friend arrived.<br /><br />2 miles in 19:40 which was a 9:46 pace. Now I can comfort myself that I got at least one run in this week. It's a great feeling!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-82174963132084695842010-03-05T09:08:00.000-08:002010-03-05T11:28:20.283-08:00A Personal Victory!Today I ran 2.5 miles, something I haven't done since April 7th of last year (yep, I checked my little book). What a victory! The down side is I don't know when I'll get to run again since I'll be working full time for the next two weeks while training for my new job. It seems to be the story of my life...finally get to a point where things are improving (running wise) and then I'm forced to take time off for one reason or another, undoing all of my hard work. Maybe the rest will at least be good for my knee.<br /><br />Today my run took 25:18, a 10:07 pace, and I didn't stop to walk at all. I felt tired and slow the whole time, and really regretted wearing shorts (reminder: sun doesn't=warm) but I did it!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-3386379669736034672010-03-04T14:20:00.000-08:002010-03-04T14:26:36.006-08:00Two RunsI was so annoyed with my run on Tuesday that apparently I never even posted about it! I had to seek refuge at the gym since it was cold and hailing. The gym felt like it was about 100 degrees inside and all I could manage was one mile of running. What a disaster! Luckily a friend of mine who goes there confirms that it is kept extremely hot and she also finds it difficult to do any cardio. Luckily it wasn't just me.<br /><br />Today I was able to get back to my roots-running outside. It was clear, but still cold and windy. I marvel that I was able to run in the 20 degree temps back in December, because it was 44 degrees today and I thought surely I would freeze to death! I did warm up pretty quickly though and had to take off my gloves and long sleeved pullover. I stopped to walk and stretch at the one mile mark, and I wasn't pleased that it took me at least 2 minutes to get running again. My breathing hasn't felt as good as usual lately and it shows. The plus side was my pace of 9:44. I completed my 2.02 miles in 19:39. I love seeing my pace get better, although should I ever run a race again I don't think I'll see such a nice time, since sadly they don't stop the clock when you stop to walk.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-56581365796607447702010-02-28T08:22:00.000-08:002010-02-28T08:33:03.110-08:00Quick MileI ran today with Laura in the jogging stroller and we all nearly got blown over by the wind! Even with her jacket and blanket, Laura said she was freezing so I knew I had to be quick. I decided to try a 'fast' mile so that I at least felt like I accomplished something. I really was pushing myself hard the whole time, and was pleased to get a mile done in 9:14. Since that was with 35+ pounds of kid and stroller, I think that's pretty darn good. <br /><br />I definitely couldn't have run another step once I finished, so don't be looking for that as my pace anytime soon. But it's good to know I can do it! Kind of tempted to do another mile sometime next week with just Moxie and see if I can get even lower. Although for all I know, today could have been a fluke and maybe I shouldn't push my luck!Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-89380957496047803402010-02-26T07:05:00.000-08:002010-02-26T07:11:26.365-08:00One Week LaterLuckily I can still run after taking a week off! I don't think it helped that I did the 30 Day Shred yesterday and have thighs that are currently so sore I can barely walk down the stairs. My knee felt okay-started out great and at about 1/2 mile it spoke up, just to say, "Hey, remember me? Your knee that hurts sometimes?" I told it that I remembered and kept on going. Maybe it just wanted acknowledgment or something. Made it to 1.25 miles and stopped to walk and stretch and finished out at 2 miles. Not my best ever but glad that 2 miles now seems to be what I do as a minimum. It was really cold today, about 34 degrees and the wind was just ridiculous. Surprised I was able to keep up a decent pace. Overall was 10:01.<br /><br />Was chased by that stupid miniature pincher again, and once again the owner was outside and did nothing-not even a half-hearted attempt to call the dog back. The more nonchalant they act, the less guilty I'm going to feel one day when I snap and call animal control. I wish we had running trails here where I could run without nearly being run over by cars or chased by loose dogs.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-744442877459456782010-02-19T07:55:00.000-08:002010-02-19T07:59:26.330-08:00Running Without MoxieMoxie is off getting a bath today and I decided to carry on without her. It feels SO weird not holding a leash in my hand, and as odd as it sounds, I almost felt off-balance or something. Not like I enjoy always reeling her back in when we run, but I'm definitely used to it. Sadly I didn't manage to go much faster, so my theory of her holding me back isn't true. It was so windy again today, and my left knee is still bothering me-although not enough to get me to stop running!<br /><br />I ran until 1.75 miles and stopped to walk and stretch, probably for a total of 2 minutes this time. Usually I don't stop for so long, but I wanted to go put my gloves back on the porch. It was definitely hard starting back up again after such a "long" break! I finished out at 2.35 miles and did it in the same time as Wednesday (23:18). My pace was 9:54 which is all thanks to the second part of my run. My pace up until I stopped was hovering around 10:05 but I managed to kick it up a notch for the last .6 miles. Still, it looks good on paper, so I'm not complaining.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-86451815040701825212010-02-17T07:58:00.000-08:002010-02-17T08:01:53.345-08:00Finally Passed 2 MilesToday I was finally able to push past that 2 mile mark. It was insanely windy, and it's always a bad sign when no matter what direction you run, you're running into the wind. I love seeing Moxie's fur get blown back by the wind, it makes her look so funny and provides a much needed diversion while I run. I don't however enjoy how much I get blown around by the wind. It's funny when it happens to Moxie, but not to me!<br /><br />I ran 1.75 miles and walked for about a minute and then finished out at 2.31 miles. That was enough to make me happy, and with the wind, an overall pace of 10:06 really thrilled me. It took just over 23 minutes. Can't wait to keep (slowly) increasing my miles.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-68544618552438389722010-02-15T07:13:00.000-08:002010-02-15T07:17:55.804-08:00Running Out Of TitlesIt's hard to think up titles when you seem to do the same run day after day. I did like that I got a tiny pun in there though, about running. Ha ha. Anyway, I did 2 miles again without walking. I had planned on stopping to walk at about 1.75 miles and then trying to do an extra 1/2 mile to bump up my mileage, but something told me if I stopped all I was going to be able to manage was an extra 1/4 mile, and I'd rather do 2 straight than walk with 1/4 mile left. So that's what I did. Maybe I can do some extra mileage next time. We'll see. <br /><br />Today it took me 20:21 which was a 10:09 pace. I'm okay with that. It was pretty windy and when I attempted to do a last little sprint at the end (something drilled into me when I was a kid doing track and field) I basically went nowhere because it was so windy. It was definitely a pathetic sprint.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-37564709147399247292010-02-12T07:15:00.000-08:002010-02-12T07:20:12.557-08:00The Truth HurtsI've been in denial to myself that my left knee hurts, but it definitely does. Luckily it's not bad at all, just persistent. I took Wednesday off from running due to our incredible wind. Downed trees everywhere and debris like you wouldn't believe...not to mention Moxie almost got blown away in the backyard! I also skipped my 30 Day Shred yesterday since we were gone all day, so I had hoped that giving my knee a rest would clear things up. Not totally, but it did help. I'm also making a point to run with traffic in a few less traveled parts of the neighborhood, to hopefully even out the impact on my knees.<br /><br />Knee issues aside, this was one of my worst runs in a while. The distance and time were fine, I just felt so awful. Usually if I feel crummy I can power through and will feel okay once I stop, but this time just walking back to the house took all of my effort. My breathing was awful and my stomach was not feeling so great. At least I managed to finish, and I didn't do any walking breaks today. Maybe that was the problem.<br /><br />20:35, 2 miles even. 10:18 pace.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-51729206454573708462010-02-08T07:25:00.000-08:002010-02-08T07:29:04.417-08:002 Miles ExactlyMaybe I'm just not ready yet for running two days in a row. Moxie and I set out this morning and immediately I felt exhausted. My lungs felt tight, and my legs were tired and sore. Made it to 1.25 miles and walked for about a minute. Finished out at 2 miles exactly. Funny that just a few days ago I was saying I couldn't stop to walk...it seems to have become a habit already. All I could think during the first leg was, "Just make it to the stop sign and you can walk". I think that's all that got me through the first part of the run. Definitely couldn't have done 2 miles if I hadn't taken that break. I wonder if this will be something I do all the time. I don't really mind, although I do want to get to the point where I can run several miles without stopping for any breaks. Not sure why that is so important to me....Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-44638290421800030162010-02-07T08:17:00.000-08:002010-02-07T08:24:53.926-08:00This Run Takes The CakeSo today will go down in history as my closest call yet while running. It's a beautiful, clear day and after all of our rain it was great to go out. I had Laura in the jogging stroller and Moxie on my right, going against traffic as usual. I was still doing my warm up walk and was walking up a small hill near our house when I heard a loud noise behind me. I looked back to see two cars flying up behind me, driving next to each other! I guess they were racing each other or something. The one coming up behind me was an SUV and the driver slammed on his brakes and was able to stop in time (obviously). <br /><br />I had a few choice words for him, although being the sweet innocent thing I am, I don't think any of them were curse words. He just sat there laughing at me which was just infuriating! I did my run and wouldn't you know it, ran past the house he was parked at. I memorized his license plate and when I got home called the non-emergency sheriff's number to report it. The bad part is that the operator transferred me to 911 (huh?) and I had to give a full report including all of my info. I requested that my information not be revealed should this person be found, but the operator didn't inspire much confidence that that will happen.<br /><br />So now, in payment for reporting the fact that I almost got squished today, I get the unsettling feeling of wondering if crazy people are about to find out that I narced on them and get my address. What a great run!<br /><br />PS. 1.51 miles in 15:28. 10:18 pace. Stopped to walk at 1.25 miles for about 45 seconds.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914990012219313762.post-70777565385183636852010-02-05T09:07:00.000-08:002010-02-05T09:11:00.017-08:00Rainy DayThe rain is coming down hard and I felt absolutely no desire to go in search of a treadmill today. Instead I did day 6 of the 30 Day Shred. At least it was some cardio and strength. It doesn't seem to be getting much easier, although I did notice I was able to go a bit deeper into the lunges than I had been, and the whole workout didn't seem to drag on quite as long as usual. The bummer is that my weight just keeps going up. I know the number shouldn't matter, as long as you're fit, but I don't really notice a difference in my overall fitness yet, and seeing those numbers keep rising is hard.<br /><br />My goal is to do days 7 and 8 this weekend, and keep my fingers crossed that I can go back to running on Monday.Clairehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16651032248422757278noreply@blogger.com0