Good morning running friends! Sorry for the absence. Life, as you know, sometimes dictates a faster pace than intended. I have had several posts floating around in my head the last several days, but no time to sit and write. And or course, now that I have a moment to myself at the computer, I cannot seem to string two cohesive sentences together. Let's blame L's recent changes in sleep patterns. Babies are always good for an excuse or two. :)
I have kept up with my running and have yet to miss a scheduled run. Friday will be the real test. John takes call at the hospital for a week beginning Friday morning at 9am, so instead of running the scheduled 4.5 miles Saturday morning, I plan to do it EARLY Friday morning. Like 6am early. Let's pray I can manage to drag myself out of bed and into the COLD dark morning.
I was asked about "hitting my stride" and what that really means and how do you do it. To be honest, as a newbie myself, the question caught me a little off guard. I googled the phrase "hitting your stride" and realized I think it is more of a saying than an actual technique. Sure, there are lots of books and articles and coaches more than willing to tell you that your stride is awful and they have the PERFECT solution for only $19.95 + shipping and handling. For me, hitting my stride is gutting out that first mile. It always seems to be the hardest. My body is shocked that I am out again, my knees slightly disagreeing with my decision. If I can have the mental fortitude to get thru that first mile and KEEP running, no matter how painfully slow it is, the second mile and any that follow seem to get...well not always easier, but...more rhythmic perhaps. I "find my stride". I settle in, my body resigns itself to the fact that I have made the mental decision to NOT QUIT. I can start to think about other things or nothing at all.
Which brings me to something else I want to mention in this mush-pile of a post. Running has been a wonderful mental break from the joys of mommyhood. I've only run with my ipod once. Luckily, I have been blessed to be joined by friends almost every run and we can chat some, but I have relished the quiet. To just focus on my breathing and to hear nothing but the sound of my feet striking the trail with the occasional conversation has been amazing and wonderful. (Thanks girls, you know who you are)
I will say that I am really really enjoying this more than I anticipated. I just sort of assumed a high level of misery would accompany each run. Don't get me wrong. Sometimes it DOES hurt, but the feeling of almost euphoric high post run is mildly addicting. Running, as it turns out, is much more a mental exercise than I ever realized. I am relishing the challenges I face each time I step out the door.
My clever sister (who loathes exercise as a general rule, and prefers to keep a closer watch on her diet than to have to intentionally sweat) and I were texting yesterday, as usual, and I guess I began to wax poetic about my so called runners high. She responded with this and I thought it was hilarious.
"I sometimes have to sit through a really boring speech or a terrible song, but I always clap at the end. Not so much, because I enjoyed it, but because I am so glad it's over. I'm pretty sure that is what your body is doing at the end of your runs."
Ha! I thought that was too funny, and maybe it's true. It doesn't matter either way to me. I'm stayin' the course and I am starting to hit my stride.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
declaration of war
Dear Muffin Top,
Let's be honest. I hate you. In fact, "loathe" would be accurate.
I am tired of staring at you billow over my pants, smirking at me with your fluffy rolls. You ruin once cute shirts with no regard for decency.
No. Don't try and defend yourself with "child bearing" and other such excuses.
The time has come. You must go. I declare war on you. You have hung around my midsection for far too long.
I will fight you with ceaseless energy. I will laugh as you shrink and finally disappear.
I will fight you with every step I run. I will battle you at every meal!
Consider this your warning o' muffin top. You have enjoyed your last squishy day. Our relationship has long been strained, it was bound to come to this. Good riddance!
Regards,
mb
Let's be honest. I hate you. In fact, "loathe" would be accurate.
I am tired of staring at you billow over my pants, smirking at me with your fluffy rolls. You ruin once cute shirts with no regard for decency.
No. Don't try and defend yourself with "child bearing" and other such excuses.
The time has come. You must go. I declare war on you. You have hung around my midsection for far too long.
I will fight you with ceaseless energy. I will laugh as you shrink and finally disappear.
I will fight you with every step I run. I will battle you at every meal!
Consider this your warning o' muffin top. You have enjoyed your last squishy day. Our relationship has long been strained, it was bound to come to this. Good riddance!
Regards,
mb
Monday, October 4, 2010
an accidental experiment
So last week, as I began "training", I knew I would need to really tighten up my diet. I knew that not only do I need to lose some weight to make things easier on my joints and for the health benefits, but I also need to eat with fueling my next run always in mind.
Thus began an accidental experiment.
Monday thru Friday I ate every meal with running in mind. Should I eat a cookie? Probably won't help my run... Should I drink a glass of wine? Probably will dehydrate me a little too much.
You get the idea. Now, I wasn't perfect. I did have a beer or two over the course of the week, but for the most part I kept things very tight. I watched my portions and kept a journal of everything I ate. To my amazement, weight was FALLING off and I felt great for all of my runs!
Then the weekend hit. GAH!
This wasn't just any weekend, either. Nope. It was OU/tx weekend! I dutifully turned down my husbands offer to go pick up pizzas and instead made homemade whole wheat pizzas. I even loaded mine with an assortment of veggies and light on the cheese. I had a hard time with portions though...and the ice cold Summer Ale staring at me from the refrigerator. I ended up having pizza for lunch AND dinner and a total of 2 beers That was Saturday.
Sunday. On Sunday I took Addison to Flagstaff to run errands and grocery shop. Epic Diet Failure. I'm talking hot wings, beer (she had mini corn dogs and milk, thank you very much) and ICE CREAM. Sweet, sweet ice cream... We had a blast and it was totally worth it.
So here is where the experiment came in. I looked back over my journal for the week and realized that I had not eaten hardly ANY animal products all week. At. ALL. I had meat twice, milk twice and NO CHEESE. I also did not eat much that came in a package. I ate strictly whole foods with the exception of whole wheat English Muffins and of course the aforementioned beer. I didn't drink any pop, not even diet. I had black tea every morning and iced tea at lunch. (Hey, a Mommy has to have caffeine!) Well, until the weekend. The only reason I even THOUGHT to look back over it was that all day Saturday and Sunday I felt like poo. During the week I felt light and fit and energetic. This weekend? Slow, heavy, sluggish.
Now, back the vegan bus up. I don't plan on forgoing animal products all together. However, I do think there is a correlation and that I need to keep meat and other products (particularly cheese) to a minimum. I think a plant based diet is probably the way to go, with as little processed food as possible and as little added sugar as well. And before you jump on my back about a lack of protein, I had black beans and whole wheat cous cous pretty much every day last week. (I made a big batch on Monday and just reheated it for lunch each day)
I'm sharing this info with you for two reasons:
1. Have any of you experienced the same? Or PLEASE give it a try and tell me if you have the same results
2. I think keeping a training journal is very important. I write down EVERYTHING that I consume and also make note of any workouts, how I feel that day and anything else I think might be important to remember later
Let me be clear. This wasn't and isn't easy. Especially today, trying to get back on the wagon. But, I'm trying. Trying to make the wisest choice I can with the goal of running 13.1 miles. That keeps me focused. I ended up gaining half the weight I had lost over the week back, but still came in at a deficit! YAY!! It scares me a little to realize how addictive food products are. Intentionally so.
Thus began an accidental experiment.
Monday thru Friday I ate every meal with running in mind. Should I eat a cookie? Probably won't help my run... Should I drink a glass of wine? Probably will dehydrate me a little too much.
You get the idea. Now, I wasn't perfect. I did have a beer or two over the course of the week, but for the most part I kept things very tight. I watched my portions and kept a journal of everything I ate. To my amazement, weight was FALLING off and I felt great for all of my runs!
Then the weekend hit. GAH!
This wasn't just any weekend, either. Nope. It was OU/tx weekend! I dutifully turned down my husbands offer to go pick up pizzas and instead made homemade whole wheat pizzas. I even loaded mine with an assortment of veggies and light on the cheese. I had a hard time with portions though...and the ice cold Summer Ale staring at me from the refrigerator. I ended up having pizza for lunch AND dinner and a total of 2 beers That was Saturday.
Sunday. On Sunday I took Addison to Flagstaff to run errands and grocery shop. Epic Diet Failure. I'm talking hot wings, beer (she had mini corn dogs and milk, thank you very much) and ICE CREAM. Sweet, sweet ice cream... We had a blast and it was totally worth it.
So here is where the experiment came in. I looked back over my journal for the week and realized that I had not eaten hardly ANY animal products all week. At. ALL. I had meat twice, milk twice and NO CHEESE. I also did not eat much that came in a package. I ate strictly whole foods with the exception of whole wheat English Muffins and of course the aforementioned beer. I didn't drink any pop, not even diet. I had black tea every morning and iced tea at lunch. (Hey, a Mommy has to have caffeine!) Well, until the weekend. The only reason I even THOUGHT to look back over it was that all day Saturday and Sunday I felt like poo. During the week I felt light and fit and energetic. This weekend? Slow, heavy, sluggish.
Now, back the vegan bus up. I don't plan on forgoing animal products all together. However, I do think there is a correlation and that I need to keep meat and other products (particularly cheese) to a minimum. I think a plant based diet is probably the way to go, with as little processed food as possible and as little added sugar as well. And before you jump on my back about a lack of protein, I had black beans and whole wheat cous cous pretty much every day last week. (I made a big batch on Monday and just reheated it for lunch each day)
I'm sharing this info with you for two reasons:
1. Have any of you experienced the same? Or PLEASE give it a try and tell me if you have the same results
2. I think keeping a training journal is very important. I write down EVERYTHING that I consume and also make note of any workouts, how I feel that day and anything else I think might be important to remember later
Let me be clear. This wasn't and isn't easy. Especially today, trying to get back on the wagon. But, I'm trying. Trying to make the wisest choice I can with the goal of running 13.1 miles. That keeps me focused. I ended up gaining half the weight I had lost over the week back, but still came in at a deficit! YAY!! It scares me a little to realize how addictive food products are. Intentionally so.
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!
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!!!
(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!
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
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
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