Thursday, September 30, 2010

one to remember

This evening two friends who live here on the compound and I set out to run 3 miles. And you know what happened?? I DID IT. I ran 3 miles without walking and without stopping. This may not seem like too big of a deal, but it was only 3 short months ago that I had my second c-section and then a few weeks after that, that I spent another week in the hospital fighting an internal infection. So, yes. For me. This is a big deal.
Now before you start thinking I should turn pro (HA!) please know that my two friends were approximately 40 feet ahead of me most of the time and I was running 12-13 minute miles. But tonight, that doesn't matter. Tonight, I accomplished a small goal in the journey towards my big goal of 13.1 miles in a little over 14 weeks. I wanted so badly to look at the data and see exactly what I ran tonight, but I ended up losing all the data when my computer screwed up, but I don't think I will be forgetting this run anytime soon. No, tonight was one I'm proud of. Tonight, was one of those nights that can start a running habit. :)

So, yeah. I'm pumped. And proud. And TIRED! Good night!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

training program

I have had several inquiries about the training program I am using to prepare so I thought I would just post it here. I am actually using the program that my folks used to prepare for their marathon, only I am cutting the mileage in half. If any of you experienced runners look at this and see a major problem with this strategy please leave a comment letting me know. I told my friend yesterday, after all, that my number one goal is still "DON'T DIE". :)

(FYI I am on week 1, tomorrow will be run number 2 for 3 miles)

So here it is. Please to enjoy:

Week 1:     2     3      3.5

Week 2:     2     3       4

Week 3:     2     3      4.5

Week 4:     2     2       3

Week 5:    2.5   3.5    5

Week 6:    2.5   3.5    6

Week:7     2.5   4       6

Week 8:    2.5    4      7

Week 9:    2.5    2     2.5

Week 10:  2.5    4.5   8

Week 11:   2.5   4.5   9

Week 12:  2.5     5    10

Week 13:  2.5     5     5

Week 14:  1.5    2.5   2.5

Week 15:  1.5    1.5   RACE DAY!!!

2 miles and a smile

Yesterday evening my friend, her dog and I ran two miles around the inside of compound. We went at a very slow pace, partly to accommodate the pup (who was hit by a car a few weeks back) and partly just to slow down. I have to admit, I was chomping at the bit and if it weren't for Amber and Cali I would have gone out a lot faster. But you know what? The pace was just right. It was comfortable to talk and I felt strong. I came back on a total high. I don't think you can get a runner's high from such a short distance, but man did I feel good after. I am nervous and excited about tomorrow (Thursday) when I have 3 miles on the schedule for the FIRST time.
Anyway, I also got to use the new toy I bought with all of my birthday money! It is a Garmin Forerunner 110 and it is simple and perfect for what I want and need. Below, find the link to the map and info about our run! How cool is that?!? Oh, and if you notice, the third "lap" that was .38 miles and 30 some minutes?? Yeah...I didn't turn the watch off correctly so it sat on the coffee table recording away! Ha!! But, the first two "laps" or miles are accurate!

Have a wonderful day friends!


Compound (inside loop) by mbousum at Garmin Connect - Details

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

changes

Whew. What a trip. It was fun and challenging and all around wonderful. I have great family and friends. With that said let's get down to the important stuff. Running. I ran a grand total of ONCE while on vacation. (boo.) I did power walk 4 miles one morning with one of my closest friends and I think I would have been better off jogging next to her. That woman walks faster with less effort than anyone I have ever known. Although I shouldn't be surprised that Miss Penny has all the answers AND is a fast walker! :)
I won't get into the details but let's just say I didn't run anywhere except to the bathroom for several days, but all is well now.

Let's talk Vegas.
My dear friend, whom started me on this little journey, is going through a bunch of rather large changes in her life and will not be able to travel in December. Not only was it beginning to look a little iffy as to whether I would be ready or not, I just don't want to go to Las Vegas for the FIRST time by myself. Really though, it has more to do with my utter lack of training to this point.

SO......

As part of the same Rock n Roll Marathon series there is going to be a half marathon in Phoenix on January 16, 2011. This buys me a whole other month AND Phoenix is only 5 hours away AND the Hubs and kids are going to come AND a (different) very dear friend called me today and said she is going to train to run the race also!! I will be registering for the race THIS WEEK.
I am so excited and honestly feel more at peace about the whole thing. L turned 3 months old today and to be perfectly honest, in just the past couple of days, have I felt COMPLETELY healed from my c-section and the infectious/disasterous aftermath to the point where I feel comfortable lifting weights and really exerting myself. I feel "normal" again...fat, but "normal".
So as of yesterday (technically) I am "in training"! Today is my first scheduled run and the distance is 2 miles. I will run this evening when John gets home from work. Yesterday I did 25 minutes or so of one of the P90X DVDs before L woke up from his nap. Let me just say that I am SO GLAD he cut yesterdays workout short!! I seriously doubt I would have been able to carry that little chunk around today if I would have done the whole thing!! I have quite a ways to go to get back to where I want to be, but boy am I happy to be headed down that road.
I have decided to cut my parent's FULL marathon training program in half mileage wise. (ex. if I the program calls for a 6 mile run, I will run 3) I like that the program only calls for 3 runs a week and I will cross train 2-3 other days and have 1-2 full rest days each week. Speaking of my parents PLEASE pray for them this week and especially on SUNDAY when they run their first FULL MARATHON!!! They are awesome. Truly. Awesome. I couldn't be more proud of them.

So. Who wants to run Phoenix?? I know a couple of you have been thinking about it! Do it! Challenge yourself. Exceed what you thought you were capable of! I know that's my goal!!

mb